Having diabetes means you’re at much greater risk of developing foot problems.
This is because raise blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, can damage the sensation in your feet. It can also affect your circulation, which can lead to you getting less blood supply to your feet. Without a good blood supply you may have problems with cuts and sores healing. You may also get cramps and pain in your legs or feet.
If these problems are not treated, they could lead to foot ulcers, infections or even, amputations. Most foot problems can be prevented with good regular foot care.
Even small ulcers on the foot can present a serious risk: they may heal extremely slowly and need rigorous treatment to cure.
Your foot check is part of your annual review, which means you should have it as part of your diabetes care and it’s free on the NHS.
Dorset HealthCare provide specialist assessment, advice, and treatment to help reduce foot and lower limb pain, and to maintain or improve the health of people’s feet.
Looking after your feet when you have diabetes
Looking after your diabetic foot ulcer (or foot attack)
Living with a diabetic foot ulcer – Debbie Sharman MSc, FRCPodM, FFPM RCPS (Glasg) Consultant Podiatrist & Daphne, diabetes foot patient
