Diabetic foot health check

Diabetes results from raised blood glucose (sugar) levels, caused by a reduced production of insulin or the insulin that is produced is ineffective. There are two main types known as Type 1 (insulin dependent) or Type 2 diabetes but both can lead to significant disease in the foot.

The diabetic foot can be affected by circulatory or neuropathy changes and can be further impacted by trauma or infection which can lead to serious foot problems. This can include loss of sensation or the inability to detect pain in the feet. Undetected pain or injury does in some cases lead to ulceration and in the most extreme cases can lead to gangrene or amputation.

Therefore it is important that you have regular checks to determine if you are low, medium or high risk which will help to determine the frequency of your assessments and also the type of treatment management plan you may require.

My diabetic assessments follow those conducted by the NHS, since my training included NHS diabetic assessments. As such, I can write a report of your diabetic foot assessments to your GP.

My diabetic assessments include:

• Vascular & circulation assessment using Doppler ultrasound technology
• Neurological assessment using 10gm monofilament and Rydel Seiffer tuning fork
• Foot and ankle joint mobility and weakness assessment
• Checks for symptoms of ulceration, Charcot foot, rest pain, claudication, evidence of peripheral arterial disease.
• Biomechanical assessment as required
• Footwear assessment and advice

Good control of diabetes in conjunction with good foot health care has been shown to reduce the risk of future complications.