How Diabetes Causes Foot Problems

People with Diabetes are at increased risk of foot problems and in some rare cases even amputation. Podiatrist Kate Millns offers advice on keeping your feet in tip-top shape.

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a hormone disorder that affects around 2 million people in the UK today, according to Diabetes UK, with the increasing incidence attributed by many experts to the growing obesity problem in children as well as adults. Diabetes affects many body systems including the kidneys, eyes, heart, circulation and nerves. For more on understanding Diabetes, Click Here.

Syptoms of Diabetes: Problem Feet

Foot problems are some of the most common causes for hospital admissions among people with diabetes. Inappropriate footwear is the cause of many foot problems, such as corns. If left untreated, these can break down and ulcerate, and healing may be delayed by impaired circulation. The long term effect of this sort of problem can, in some cases, require surgery and even amputation. That’s why it is of paramount importance people with diabetes look after their feet.

Diabetes Information: Top Tips for Healthy Feet

Diabetes and Feet: Tip 1 for Healthy Feet

Greater awareness should be placed on daily hygiene routines, observation of the skin colour, texture and dryness – use a good moisturiser such as Aqueous cream or one recommended by your podiatrist.

Diabetes and Feet: Tip 2 for Healthy Feet

Keep a lookout for cuts or abrasions. A hand mirror is useful to observe under the foot.

Diabetes and Feet: Tip 3 for Healthy Feet

Shoes should be wide and deep at the toe box with no internal stitching, preferably soft- topped with a lace-up or Velcro fastener and not higher than 1 to 1.5 inches.

Diabetes and Feet: Tip 4 for Healthy Feet

You should also examine the inside of your shoes for loose stones, grit and nails which have the potential to harm the foot.

Diabetes and Feet: Tip 5 for Healthy Feet

Make sure linings are intact to prevent blistering. Hosiery is important too, so make sure there are no seams in socks and tights (or wear them inside out!) and that the fit is good and not too tight.

Diabetes and Feet: Tip 7 for Healthy Feet

People with diabetes should visit a Chiropodist or Podiatrist who is a member of the Health Professions Council on a regular basis for nailcare and the careful reduction of callus formation, along with circulatory and neurological testing and assessment. This will involve checking leg and pedal pulses for adequate blood flow for a healthy foot as well as perceived sensory testing in the toes, foot and lower limb – for example, testing that you register sensations such as a sharp, soft or vibrating touch. Any sensory loss will obscure the feeling of injury or trauma.

Preventing Problem Feet Caused by Diabetes

Whether you are an insulin-dependent diabetic or you are being treated with tablets or by diet control, regular foot health checks are very important. Contact your GP for an NHS or private podiatrist near to you and keep those feet walking!

Diabetes Information Guide: Read more about Diabetes

Kate Millns is a Podiatrist with a private practice in Birmingham and works as a teacher at the Birmingham School of Podiatry. She also runs her own website www.pinkfeet.co.uk to raise foot health awareness and provide access to foot health products and services associated with the feet, lower limbs, health, fitness, sport and mobility online.