How does it affect my feet?
Some patients may experience a gradual sense of numbness in the foot (starting with the toes). This is known as diabetic neuropathy. If you lose some feeling in your feet it is simply more likely that if you damage your foot, you may not know about it. It is therefore recommended that you perform a daily foot check (using a mirror if necessary), if you experience diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetes can affect your eyesight so checking your feet may be difficult.
Diabetes may also affect the blood supply to the extremities, therefore you are more at risk of decreased nutrition getting to your skin, delayed healing or ulceration.
What can a podiatrist do?
There is no cure for diabetes however it can be controlled with diet and medication.
It is strongly recommended that diabetic patients see a podiatrist regularly. A podiatrist will know and understand the impact that diabetes can have on the foot and is trained to identify any problems that may require further medical attention.
It is really important that any patient (not only those with diabetes) stays on their feet and remains active. Keeping your feet healthy and pain free is one of the most important steps that you can carry out to achieve this.