The amazing team at Flawless Feet tell us all about Diabetes and the effect it can have on your feet
In the UK, more and more people are being affected by Diabetes. We want to start this year by providing you with some information about Diabetes and the effect this has on the feet.
What is diabetes?Â
Diabetes results from raised glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. As a result of this, insulin production and the effectiveness of it is reduced. The role of insulin in the body is vital because it lowers glucose levels in the blood and allows all consumed food to be broken down into fat.
Types of Diabetes
There are four types of Diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Secondary Diebetes
- Pregnancy Diabetes
Who is affected by Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type of Diabetes. Men and women usually ages over 35 that are overweight, do not exercise and have poor nutrition can be affected by this condition. Type 2 Diabetes can also affect teenagers, as well as children.
Who is at risk of Diabetes?
- People that have a positive family history of Diabetes
- People that hold a lot of weight in the middle area
- Kids over the age of 10 that are overweight
- People that have a high sugar/salt content in their diet
- Females that have polycystic ovaries
What effect does this have on the feet?
Essentially, with Diabetes the feet become more sensitive and dehydrate faster. There are two common complication of Diabetes that may lead to a high risk Diabetic foot if the Diabetes is poorly controlled.
Ischaemia (reduced circulation): As a result of the excess sugar in the blood, this sticks to the blood vessels and causes them to harden and sometimes become blocked. This can result in very little blood being supplied to the foot and means that there is a reduced chance of a cut or wound healing. This can result in a Diabetic foot ulcer (a wound that heals slowly or not at all). The foot can often feel cold and look pale.
Peripheral neuropathy (reduced or loss of sensation): Peripheral neuropathy occurs as a result of the reduced blood supply (discussed above) to the nerves that control feelings such as sensation and light touch. Nerves require an adequate blood supply in order for them to function properly. Neuropathy results in numbness, pins and needles and in some cases the client may not be able to feel objects that are being walked on.
Are you affected by Diabetes and/or do you know anyone that is diabetic?Â
At Flawless Feet Podiatry and Laser Clinic we recommend having regular foot checks and Flawless Medical Pedicures over regular salon pedicures.
During this 45 minute appointment we can assess your circulation and test nerve endings in the feet. The podiatrist will also safely remove hard skin and ingrown toe nails without putting the feet at risk. We will also provide you with the best foot care advice for your condition.
The Flawless Medical Pedicure – £130
