It’s National Diabetes Awareness Month in November, and communities across the country are working together to raise awareness about the disease.
According to Diabetes Canada, over one third of Canada’s population is living with diabetes or prediabetes. Managing your blood glucose can help prevent many other health problems that can often occur as a direct result of uncontrolled diabetes.
Diabetes can affect almost every part of your body.
Common diabetes complications include,
How can diabetes affect the feet?
When blood sugar is elevated, internal organs are more susceptible to damage and the risk for complications involving the feet is more likely. The lower legs and feet are particularly at risk as they are farther away from the body’s core. Before a person even knows they have diabetes, they may start to experience pins and needles in the toes and feet, this is known as peripheral neuropathy and can result from uncontrolled diabetes. It impairs your ability to sense an injury or your protective sensation. In other words, if you step on something sharp or if your shoe is causing a blister, you may not be able to sense something is wrong. As a result, skin can break down.
Diabetes can also negatively affect blood circulation. The small blood vessels in the feet can be affected by excess sugar circulating in the blood. Less than optimal blood flow can affect a person’s ability to heal from even minor cuts and scrapes. Additionally, if the immune system is compromised, untreated skin breakdown and wounds can lead to infections, amputation and can even be life-threatening. The nails and skin of the feet are at risk for infections such as fungal toenails or cellulitis. These issues require prompt and proper care to reduce the chance of further complications.
Preventing complications takes a team!
If you have diabetes, it is imperative to stay in regular contact with your Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner and possibly an Endocrinologist, to make sure your blood sugar is under control and your overall health is monitored. Part of your diabetes care team includes the Medical Footcare Team at BioPed. BioPed clinics are made up of multidisciplinary teams of lower limb clinicians who share a common goal. Certified Pedorthists, Registered Chiropodists and Footcare Nurses all strive to improve the health and comfort of their clients by working together with them and the rest of their diabetes care team to prevent diabetes-associated complications.
Having consistent and regular footcare by one of our Registered Chiropodists or Footcare Nurses will keep your skin and nails in good shape and address any issues that may arise. Your BioPed team will spend time with you to ensure you know what to look for and how you can monitor your feet at home. They will discuss effective and beneficial treatment options catered to you and your lifestyle. If you have pain or discomfort in your feet, BioPed’s Certified Pedorthists and Registered Chiropodists can assess your lower body mechanics, including the way you walk. You may benefit from custom foot orthotics that will offload high pressure areas on your feet and new footwear that fits you well and is appropriate for you and your activities of daily life.
Call us today, we are looking forward to seeing you!
If you’re suffering from lower limb pain that limits you from doing what you love, please book an appointment with a BioPed Clinician to see how we can keep your feet and legs healthy!
