At the Foot and Ankle Clinic of Australia, our focus is on ensuring comprehensive foot health for all our patients. Today, we’d like to delve deeper into an important topic: the connection between diabetes and foot health. Understanding this link is crucial, particularly for individuals living with diabetes, as proper foot care can prevent serious complications.

The Impact of Diabetes on Foot Health

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects your body’s ability to process sugar. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to various health problems, including complications affecting your feet. Here’s how:

  1. Neuropathy: Prolonged high blood sugar can damage the nerves in your body, leading to diabetic neuropathy. In your feet, this often manifests as numbness, tingling, or pain. It also means you may not feel a cut or sore on your foot until it has become infected.
  2. Poor Circulation: Diabetes can also affect your blood flow, causing poor circulation in the lower limbs. Reduced blood flow makes it harder for wounds and infections to heal.
  3. Foot Deformities: Some people with diabetes develop foot deformities, like Charcot’s foot, bunions, and hammertoes. These can lead to areas of increased pressure when walking, resulting in ulcers or sores.

Preventing Diabetic Foot Problems

While the risks are serious, the good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent foot problems related to diabetes:

  1. Manage your Blood Sugar: Keep your blood sugar levels under control. This is the best way to prevent nerve damage and poor circulation which are major risk factors for foot problems.
  2. Inspect Your Feet Daily: Look for any changes, including cuts, sores, redness, swelling, or infected toenails. If you have trouble checking your own feet, use a mirror or ask a family member to help.
  3. Practice Good Foot Hygiene: Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes to prevent fungal infections. Apply a moisturizer to prevent dry skin but avoid the area between the toes.
  4. Wear Appropriate Footwear: Always wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Never walk barefoot, even indoors, to avoid injury.
  5. Schedule Regular Check-ups with Your Podiatrist: Regular foot examinations by a podiatrist can help identify any issues early, before they escalate into serious problems.

Remember, proper foot care is a crucial aspect of managing diabetes. If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, our team at the Foot and Ankle Clinic of Australia is here to help. We provide personalized care plans and ongoing support to help maintain healthy feet and prevent complications.

Thank you for joining us in our mission to spread awareness about the connection between diabetes and foot health. Stay safe, stay informed, and we’ll see you in our next article