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Diabetes Assessment

REMEMBER – Prevention is the best medicine for people with diabetes.

Diabetes assessments are regularly performed at Brindabella Podiatry and the Diabetes Association does recommend a podiatric review every six months. The reason why it is important to have your feet checked when you have diabetes is because it’s common to suffer complications with the vascular (blood) and nerve systems.

We perform an array of neurological assessments to obtain baseline results for future reference. We also perform an ultrasound doppler to listen to the arterial blood flow (circulation) to the feet.

Footwear, skin and nails will be assessed as well as a computerised pressure assessment to make sure there are no abnormal foot pressure areas that may lead to complications.

People with Diabetes are particularly prone to foot problems. Although, most of these problems are preventable if care is taken. The foot is especially affected by diabetes because:

  • Diabetes damages the nerves, meaning you can hurt your feet or break your skin and not feel it. This is called, Peripheral Neuropathy.
  • Diabetes can also affect the blood supply to the feet, delaying healing.
  • People with Diabetes are more prone to bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Diabetes can affect the joints, making them stiffer.
  • Poor eyesight can reduce your ability to care for your feet and detect problems.

These problems are more likely to occur if you have had diabetes for a long time, if your blood glucose levels are too high for an extended period, if you smoke or if you are inactive. High cholesterol and high blood pressure also play a part.

diabetic-checkups

A ‘High Risk Foot’ with poor nerve supply and poor circulation can suffer from: Infections and ulcerations which can lead to amputation. Foot deformity and walking difficulties.

Your podiatrist can assess your level of risk by performing a thorough nerve and circulation examination. During your assessment, the podiatrist will also look at your footwear and answer any questions you may have.

No Referral Needed!

Look After Your Feet!