Posts tagged “Diabetes”

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Have you had your Annual Diabetic Podiatric Assessment?

Posted on 6th February 2021 at 12:42

Consistent monitoring of your diabetes is key in early detection of lower limb problems that can escalate quickly; a cut can become infected due to high blood glucose levels.

A crack in the skin can become fungal which can become chronic and painful and peripheral neuropathy can mean that you are unaware of the problem.

Diabetes is a chronic illness that needs regular monitoring by the person and a multi-disciplinary team including a podiatrist. It develops if the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas becomes unable to produce enough insulin. This causes an increase in blood glucose levels as the job of insulin is to move glucose from the blood stream into your cells.

What can people with Diabetes do to help their feet and legs?

Posted on 14th February 2018 at 08:55

Self-care of your feet and legs is always important but in people with Diabetes this is absolutely crucial.

The key is to establish a daily routine.

1. Clean and moisturise your feet.

2. Use a mirror or willing family member to check for any cuts, blisters or ingrowing nails and clean and dress these immediately.

3. Wear socks inside out so seams do not rub.

4. Always wear well-fitting footwear and never go barefoot or just in sock soles.

Why is it important for people with Diabetes to see Podiatrists?

Posted on 31st January 2018 at 13:58

People often know that it is important for people with Diabetes not to cut their own toenails but when I ask they rarely know why this is.

If you do not see a podiatrist regularly e.g. every 6-8 weeks, it is important to go for an annual foot check. There are several reasons why.

Increased blood glucose levels

• can affect the circulation to the feet and legs causing cramps, restless legs and poor oxygen levels to the skin and muscles.

• can cause damage to the long nerves that reach your feet. This can mean a loss of sensation (peripheral neuropathy) or heightened sensation (painful neuropathy). The longer you are Diabetic the more chance you have of developing neuropathy.

• cause poor healing and increased chance of bacterial infection. In combination with loss of sensation this means that a minor cut can become infected very quickly.

• create the perfect environment for fungal skin and nail infections.

What is Diabetes? The first of three blogs on Diabetes.

Posted on 17th January 2018 at 09:08

The number of people being diagnosed with diabetes is growing and I know from experience that many people feel that it is inevitable because their mother or grandfather or someone had it, but this is not necessarily true.

Unfortunately, with the increases in diagnoses comes an increase in complacency towards the disease and indeed many people have a limited understanding of diabetes.

So, What Exactly is Diabetes?

Silver Socks… Ooo shiney!

Posted on 25th October 2017 at 08:42

Silver is known for its antibacterial properties and has been impregnated into wound dressings and household plasters because of this.

But the benefits of silver extend far beyond this and silver socks provide benefits for many conditions.

BLOG - REGULAR BLOG BY JANET McGROGGAN - PRINCIPAL PODIATRIST