Diabetes Foot Check

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by high blood sugar levels, can have significant implications for foot health. Individuals with diabetes are at increased risk of developing complications related to circulation and nerve damage, making regular foot checks essential for preventing serious issues such as infections, ulcers, and even amputations.

Diabetes affects circulation in the lower legs and feet by reducing blood supply to these areas. This diminished circulation compromises the body's ability to heal effectively, making individuals more prone to cuts, sores, and wounds. Moreover, reduced blood flow can lead to tissue damage and slow the healing process, increasing the risk of infections and ulcers over time.

In addition to circulation issues, diabetes can also impact nerve function, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. Nerve damage can result in decreased sensation in the feet, making it difficult for individuals to detect injuries or wounds. As a result, minor foot problems such as blisters or cuts may go unnoticed and become infected, leading to more severe complications.

Furthermore, high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes create an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and yeast to thrive. This can lead to further complication like athletes foot and cellulitis. These microorganisms can cause infections and exacerbate existing foot issues, further increasing the risk of complications.

Regular foot checks are essential for individuals with diabetes to identify potential problems early and prevent the progression of foot complications. Healthcare professionals, including doctors, podiatrists, and diabetes nurses, play a crucial role in conducting comprehensive foot examinations, assessing circulation and nerve function, and providing guidance on proper foot care practices.

Preventive measures such as foot care are very important. Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes, maintaining good foot hygiene, and avoiding walking barefoot can help reduce the risk of foot injuries and infections. Additionally, individuals with diabetes should prioritise blood sugar control through diet, exercise, medication, and regular monitoring to minimise the risk of complications affecting the feet.

In conclusion, foot checks are vital for individuals with diabetes to protect against the serious consequences of foot complications. By prioritising foot care and adopting preventive measures, individuals can maintain optimal foot health and reduce the risk of amputations and other severe complications associated with diabetes-related foot disease.

Your appointment will most likely be with the practice nurse at your GP surgery. They will ask you to take off shoes and socks or tights and expose to the knee. They will carefully examine the skin for any skin breakdown or ulcers, and they will test the nerves by whether you feel their touch and they will test for the foot pulses. They will talk you through any findings after your foot check.

They will grade your risk may be low, moderate, or high. Those with moderate or high risk will be referred to a foot specialist called a podiatrist for further checks.

You will be given advice about how to look after your feet, signs to watch out for and how to reduce the chance of developing significant disease.

This is one part of your annual diabetic check-up, which also includes eye screening, blood tests, blood pressure, weight and your own rating of how diabetes is affecting your quality of life.

Keep an eye out for signs of acute infection – redness, pain, pus – especially if you have an insect bite, open sores or cracks in the skin. Fungal infections could start as smelliness, flaking, itching, slightly red areas, and fungal toenail infection will give thickened crumbly yellow-ish nails - they can infect each other.

Signs of a nerve problem are suggested by pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or you may notice a wound or blister that seems a bit numb rather than painful.

Leg cramps, especially when walking, dry red flaky skin on the lower legs, or any colour change or swelling to the lower legs, ankles or feet may suggest a circulation problem. Changes to the colour or sensation of a toe will need urgent assessment.

For any of these symptoms, you should contact your GP or specialist diabetic team, if you have one, to have an assessment of your legs. This might need urgent assessment, depending on how quickly the problem has developed.

Managing your foot health means moisturising your feet daily helps to maintain the skin barrier, preventing dryness and sores from developing. It’s really important to look after your toenails, as these can cut into the skin on other toes if they get long, and are prone to fungal infection, which can also affect the skin (tinea pedis).

Opt for nail clippers to cut the top of your nails regularly and nail files if necessary at the sides.

Avoid the use of anything that can damage the skin of your feet like sharp objects, corn plasters or blades. It is very important you wear well fitted comfortable shoes to prevent blisters and sores from developing on your feet, and it will also help you on your way to keeping active to combat diabetes.

Feet are at risk from other problems, so to keep them in the best condition, this is the time to address other risk factors. Smoking is detrimental to so many of the body’s systems, but it particularly furs up blood vessels, risking a blockage to the feet. High blood pressure and high cholesterol have similar effects on blood vessels. Excess alcohol over a long period can affect the nerves to the feet, causing peripheral neuropathy. Finally, eczema can cause problems with the lower legs and feet, so make sure you keep this under control with heavy moisturisers and prescribed creams when needed.

Finally, with beating any complications from diabetes, you are committing yourself to a lifetime of taking your prescribed medications, eating a healthy well-balanced diet, keeping obesity at bay and exercising regularly.