Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, impacting everything from blood sugar levels to overall health. However, one critical yet often overlooked area is its effect on foot health. At The Foot Clinic, we emphasise the importance of proactive foot care for individuals living with diabetes to prevent complications and maintain mobility.
In this blog, we’ll explore how diabetes affects the feet, why regular foot assessments are crucial, and how early intervention can help prevent serious complications.
Nerve Damage
(Peripheral Neuropathy)
One of the most serious complications of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, a condition where high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, particularly in the feet.
⚠️ What does this mean for you?
✔ Loss of sensation, making it difficult to feel cuts, blisters, or injuries
✔ Increased risk of undetected wounds leading to infections
✔ Altered pressure perception, resulting in calluses and ulcers
✔ Burning, tingling, or numbness in the feet
With reduced sensation, even minor foot injuries can go unnoticed and worsen over time, increasing the risk of infections and more serious complications.
Poor Circulation (Peripheral Artery Disease)
Diabetes can narrow and stiffen blood vessels, reducing oxygen-rich blood flow to the feet—a condition known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
⚠️ Signs of poor circulation in the feet:
✔ Slow-healing wounds or ulcers
✔ Cold feet and numbness
✔ Cramping or pain during physical activity
Since the feet rely on good circulation for tissue repair and healing, even small cuts or sores can take longer to heal, increasing the risk of infection and complications.
The Dangerous Combination: Neuropathy & Poor Circulation
When neuropathy (loss of sensation) and PAD (poor blood flow) occur together, it creates a high-risk situation for diabetic foot complications.
⚠️ Why is this a problem?
- You may not feel an injury/wound, leading to continuous pressure on an affected area
- Reduced blood flow slows healing, increasing the chance of chronic wound as they are not able to heal
- Higher risk of ulcers and infections, which could lead to serious complications if left untreated
This combination makes early detection and proactive foot care essential for people with diabetes.
The Importance of Diabetic Foot Assessments
A comprehensive diabetic foot assessment is one of the best ways to prevent complications and maintain foot health. People with diabetes are generally advised to see a podiatrist at least once a year, depending on the severity of their condition.
At The Foot Clinic, our experienced podiatrists conduct detailed assessments to detect potential problems before they become serious.
🔹 Neurological Examination
✔ Tests for nerve function & sensation to detect peripheral neuropathy
✔ Helps assess risk of injury, balance issues, and falls
🔹 Vascular Assessment
✔ Checks blood circulation using pulse checks and Doppler ultrasound
✔ Identifies signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
🔹 Skin & Nail Examination
✔ Looks for wounds, calluses, infections, or structural changes
✔ Ensures early intervention to prevent complications
Each assessment includes a comprehensive medical history review and personalised foot care recommendations to help manage and prevent diabetes-related foot problems.
If you or someone you know has diabetes, yearly diabetic foot assessments are essential for maintaining optimal foot health and reducing the risk of serious complications. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to diabetic foot care.
Click here to book in for an initial consultation with one of our experienced podiatrists today.
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