Diabetes is said to be a modern epidemic affecting many who don’t even realise it. Even if you are not a diabetic many of you will have heard of how diabetes can affect areas like your feet and your eyes and perhaps wonder why. The complications that can be caused by diabetes are often as a result of unregulated blood sugar levels. It is important to try and keep your blood sugar levels as consistent and regular as possible to prevent these problems from occurring. 

As Podiatrists, we focus on the effects that diabetes can have on the foot. There are many tips and advice we can give to help you look after your feet and prevent any problems. Additionally, we annually complete a diabetic screening to monitor any changes that may occur and report this directly to your GP.

• Regular appointments with a Podiatrist. Your Podiatrist will be able to spot any changes early and deal with them quickly and effectively as well as giving you expert advice.
• NEVER self-treat ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, verrucae or any other problem you may have with your feet. Over the counter treatments that you can buy can be dangerous and unintentionally damage your healthy skin and potentially make your problem worse.
• NEVER go barefoot. Shoes and slippers will provide you with protection against sharp and/or foreign objects. Sometimes your sensation may be affected and if this happens you may not notice stepping on something.
•  Regularly check your feet and shoes. This allows you to spot any changes in your footwear e.g. loose threads or objects that may have gotten in as well as any changes to your feet e.g. cuts or blisters. You may need to ask a family member or partner to help you or use a mirror to check them the best that you can. If you notice any cuts or blisters it is important to deal with them quickly as these can be an entry point for bacteria and can lead to infection. Cuts and splits should be dressed with an antiseptic dressing and blisters should not be burst.
•  Wear correct fitting footwear and hosiery.It is important to make sure you are not wearing anything too big or too tight that may cause your feet to rub. If you are unsure, your Podiatrist can help you make sure you are wearing the correct shoes and socks and can even measure your feet for you.
• Practice good hygiene.Regularly changing your socks and washing your feet daily is important. When washing your feet, it is important to make sure you are drying well In between your toes. Excess moisture in between your toes can lead to splits in your skin and/or athletes’ foot.
• Test the temperature of your bath water.This is important as if you are experiencing any changes in your sensation you may not feel the change in temperature and may unintentionally scald yourself. It may be necessary to ask a partner, family member or friend to help you check if you are unsure.
• Keep your feet moisturised. This helps to prevents cracks in your skin which can form when the skin is too dry. We recommend CCS cream daily all over your feet but NOTin-between your toes. This can make the skin there wet and make you more prone to splits and fungal infections.

If you would like to learn more about diabetes, how it can affect your feet and the correct way to look after them, you can attend our 

FREE Diabetes Foot Health Talk on Wednesday 29^thApril at 5pm or 6:30pm. 

This event is free, but you will need a ticket to attend. 

If you are interested in attending or would like to book in to see one of our HCPC registered Podiatrists you can do so by either calling 0121 749 6313 or visiting our clinic located at 329 Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, B36 0JG. 
If you would like to book an appointment with us online, you can do so by visiting www.walshpodiatry.co.uk.