Diabetes

Member of the Australian Podiatry Association (NSW) Diabetes Special Interest Group and extensive experience with high-risk patients. Cesar not only manages foot-related complications, but also offers education on a foot-health regime for his patients. Because of this specialist knowledge and treatment of foot-related complications, Cesar, like many podiatrists today, works as part of the important health care team dedicated to minimising the incidence of morbidity of the lower limb. With biomechanical assessments and sound footwear advice, Cesar also works to maintain the mobility of his diabetic patients so that they can maintain vital regular exercise for the management of their diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can develop from lack of insulin production in the body, or from the inability of the body’s insulin to perform its normal everyday functions.

Many complications can be associated with diabetes. Diabetes disrupts the vascular system, affecting many areas of the body such as the eyes, kidneys, legs, and the feet. People with diabetes should pay special attention to their feet as diabetes affects the feet significantly, for instance, complications with the arch of the foot, affecting pressure points and breaking down of skin.

People with diabetes can develop neuropathic and vascular ulcers in the feet if the feet are neglected. The worst case scenario leads to amputations of the feet and toes and long term hospitalization. These ulcers are preventable with proper regular foot checks and the correct treatment.

Medicare rebates apply to Diabetic foot care consultations. Please consult your GP to see if you are eligible.

Footcare For People With Diabetes

Take good care of yourself

Try to keep your blood sugar levels between 4-10

Protect yourself with good shoes

Protect Yourself By Daily Good Foot Care

Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap
Gently dry your feet with a soft white towel
Have a good look at your feet. You may have to use a mirror or ask a friend to help

If you see a problem, see a Podiatrist or your Doctor:

Dry Skin
Rub moisturizing cream onto your feet
Moist Skin
Dip a cotton bud into mentholated sprits. Wipe the bud between your toes.
Tinea
Ask your chemist for tinea solution. Put five drops into the bottle lid. Dip a cotton bud into lid. Wipe the drops between your toes.

Corns, Callouses, Thick or Curved Tow Nails, Bunions or Hammer Toes:

See a Podiatrist. (Telephone the Australian Podiatry Association in your State Capital)
Never use "Corn Cures", "Callous files" or sharp instruments. These are Dangerous.

A minor injury to your foot:

First Aid

Gently wash the foot in warm water and mild soap
Gently dry the foot
Cover with a clean, soft dressing
Look at the sore each day
Put on a new dressing after you shower each day
If you see that the foot is red, swollen or has discharge, go to podiatrist, doctor or hospital emergency department immediately.

Suggestions:

It is important to choose good dressings, because the wrong dressing can be harmful to your feet.
Diabetes Australia NSW (02) 9552 9900 sells a Foot Aid Kit which contains good dressing materials.

You can buy these good dressings from your chemist.

Handypor Dressing Strip
Light Dressing Strips
Sterile Gauze Squares
Tricos Sterile Dressings
Tubular Protectors
Lightweight stretch Handyband Bandage

Medical teamwork on your behalf

Regular visits to health professionals specialising in diabetes care, will be the best way to stay healthy. The wise way to care for your diabetes is when you and the medical team work in close co-operation.

Good shoes

Should be professionally fitted
Are a perfect fit for your foot
Have soft, smooth uppers
Are held on well with laces, straps or elastic
Have wide, low heels
Have a firm supportive heel cup (heel "counter")
Are kept in good repair
Are appropriate for the weather and your activity

Suggestions:

Wear new shoes for a short time only
Ask a podiatrist to help you choose the best socks and stockings

Protect yourself with wise precautions

Stop smoking
Wear shoes at all times, especially when out side
Keep your feet away from fires and radiators
Keep your feet out of hot water and away from hot water bottles
Use sunscreen on your feet and legs
Wear warm clothes and shoes in cold weather