An annual podiatry visit may be all it takes to prevent the more than 12 diabetes-related amputations performed at Australian hospitals every day.

As we participate in National Diabetes Week this week (July 9-15), this is the message we are sending not only to patients but also to carers of people with diabetes. 

Around 1.7 million Australians live with diabetes, with people over the age of 55 more likely to have the disease. Unfortunately, 10,000 of them are admitted to hospital every year for diabetes-related foot ulcers. With a staggering 4400 ending up with a partial or full lower limb amputation.

It is a clear indication that more education is needed around the importance of promoting foot health among Australians living with diabetes.

Prevent diabetes-related foot conditions

The good news is around 85 per cent of diabetes-related amputations are preventable if problems are detected early and a care plan and foot protection program is established.

People living with diabetes should establish a regular self-monitoring schedule (including visual checks), and have an action plan to respond to early problems (such as skin breakdown).

Diabetes Australia recommends a visit to the podiatrist at least every 12 months for diabetes sufferers. This is more frequent for those who also have peripheral neuropathy, foot deformities or PVD. If your 12-month review has lapsed, make this week the time you do something about it.

How diabetes impacts feet

 While everybody is different, people with diabetes typically experience lower limb circulation reduction, loss of normal protective sensation to the foot and leg and an inability to fight infection via an impaired immune system.

Changes may be minimal such as noticing dryness of the skin around the toes. Or your toes tingle at night. Eventually this may progress to complete numbness along the sole of the foot, which results in loss of protective sensation and eventually ulcers. This can progress to foot or leg amputation if management is not adequate.

I have diabetes. What can I do to manage my foot health at home?

 Some simple tips to help you maintain good foot health are:

– wash and dry feet thoroughly daily

– visually examine your feet daily for marks, spots, cuts, swelling or redness (a mirror can help)

– choose correctly fitted shoes (ask your podiatrist what is best for your foot)

– wear cotton socks with no elastic in the tops to absorb sweat but reduce pressure on the foot

– visit your podiatrist annually or more frequently if recommended.

Help us stomp out Australia’s foot problem. If you or someone you know suffers from diabetes, make feet the topic of conversation this week.

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