Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can have serious implications on foot health. At ProHealth Podiatry, we play a crucial role in the comprehensive care and management of individuals with Diabetes.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into why people with Diabetes have a higher risk of developing foot complications and the role of podiatrists in providing specialised care. We’ll touch on the importance of regular check-ups and preventative measures, how often diabetics should see a podiatrist, share our top tips for finding a qualified podiatrist, and more.

So, let’s delve into it!

Why Does Diabetes Affect Foot Health?

The 3 main reasons Diabetes can have a significant impact on the feet are related to blood circulation, nerve function, and immune response.

Firstly, the high blood glucose levels associated with Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the lower limbs, leading to poor blood supply and circulation to the feet. Secondly, nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy can cause foot pain, tingling, or numbness.

These issues often decrease the body’s ability to sense when problems like ankle pain, neuromas, bursitis, arthritis, or similar occur. This can delay the healing of foot injuries and wounds, making them harder to easily fix or manage and making diabetic individuals more susceptible to infections and other complications.

Finally, Hyperglycemia caused by Diabetes is known to impair immune function, therefore making it challenging for the body to fight infections. This can lead to increased risks of foot ulcers and infections. At Pro-Health Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists are trained to provide specialised care to help manage foot health issues related to Diabetes.

Importance Of Regular Check-Ups For Individuals With Diabetes

We cannot stress the significance of regular diabetic foot check-ups and preventive foot care enough.

Why? Because it’s very easy to miss initial signs of Diabetes-related foot problems. Qualified podiatrists are trained to detect problems early, such as poor circulation, nerve damage, plantar warts, or skin integrity issues, and begin early intervention methods to prevent complications from arising.

Use this infographic from the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention to know when you definitely need to see a podiatrist. Don’t skip those check-ups – prioritise your foot health! 

Foot Care Tips & Preventative Measures

Do not wait for problems to arise. As they say, prevention is better than cure! If you are a Diabetic patient, education on self-care techniques and lifestyle modifications is crucial to nip serious foot complications in the bud (or before they begin in the first place).

Incorporate these preventative measures into your daily routine:

• Inspect feet daily for any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling.
• Wash feet (especially between the toes) with lukewarm water and mild soap, and thoroughly dry them, to prevent fungal toenails.
• Moisturise feet with a gentle, non-irritating moisturiser before bed to prevent dry skin and cracking.
• Trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting the corners to prevent an ingrown toenail.
• Wear well-fitting, breathable shoes with good arch support and cushioning. Opt for open toed shoes if possible.
• Avoid walking barefoot to protect feet from injuries.
• Change socks daily and choose socks made of natural fibres that wick away moisture to prevent fungal growth.
• Keep blood sugar levels within the target range as advised by a healthcare provider to promote healthy nerve function and improve circulation in the feet.

Image source: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/socialmedia/infographics/feet-healthy.html

How Often Should People with Diabetes See a Podiatrist?

As a general guideline, individuals with Diabetes should aim to see a podiatrist at least once every three to six months.

Of course, the recommended frequency of podiatry visits may vary depending on individual circumstances and risk factors like history of diabetic foot care or poor blood flow.

Regular check-ups allow for thorough diabetic foot assessments, including circulation, sensation, skin integrity, blood pressure, and biomechanical evaluations like testing toe pressure. Early detection of any potential foot problems can lead to timely interventions, such as proper wound care, footwear modifications, and orthotic interventions, to prevent anything from getting more serious.

Tips for Finding a Qualified Podiatrist

We believe working with a qualified podiatrist plays a huge role in helping you feel comfortable and making sure you get the most from your medical care.

Here are our experts’ top three tips for finding a professional podiatrist near you:

1. Look for Podiatrists registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). AHPRA is the national registration authority for health practitioners in Australia, so registered Podiatrists have met the required standards for education, training, and professional  practice. You can verify the registration status of a podiatrist on the AHPRA website.
2. Check for Podiatrists who are members of the Australian Podiatry Association (APODA).
   The APODA is the peak professional body for podiatrists in Australia. Membership with APODA indicates the podiatrist is committed to maintaining high standards of professional practice and ongoing education. You can check the APODA website for a list of members in Brisbane or inquire directly with your podiatrist.
3. Seek recommendations from trusted healthcare providers, friends, or family members who have experience with podiatry services in Brisbane. Word-of-mouth recommendations are valuable. Ask your general practitioner, Diabetes specialist, or other healthcare providers for recommendations. You can also seek feedback from friends or family members who have received podiatry services in Brisbane to get insights into their experiences and outcomes or read reviews online.

Remember to always do your research, ask questions, and choose a qualified and experienced podiatrist to ensure you receive the best possible foot care.

Can Diabetics Claim Podiatry On Medicare?

Under the Medicare Benefits Schedule Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program, individuals with Diabetes in Queensland may be eligible to claim certain podiatry services if they meet specific criteria.

To determine if you are eligible for Medicare coverage for podiatry services in Queensland, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider or podiatrist directly. They can assess your individual health condition, provide personalised recommendations, and guide you on the Medicare coverage and claiming process for podiatry services based on your specific circumstances.

Read similar Frequently Asked Questions here.

Diabetic Foot Care in Brisbane

The team at ProHealth Podiatry are committed to supporting diabetic patients from early detection and prevention of foot complications, to providing ongoing treatment and education. As strange as it may sound, we’re passionate about your feet!Click here to book an appointment at our Red Hill or Upper Mount Gravatt practices today.