Diabetes can progress to eventually impact both a patient’s blood flow and nerve function. As the feet are the furthest part of the body from your major organs, they are the first to be affected and are key to identify early signs that the disease is progressing.
There are two main types of diabetes; both of which are linked to genetics, therefore, can be passed down through generations.
- Type One Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which is typically diagnosed before 30 years of age.
- Type Two Diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, which can be genetic but can also be associated with lifestyle and obesity. Type Two Diabetes is usually diagnosed later in life.
At MK Feet Podiatry Clinic, we aim to prevent more serious complications and progression through the use of regular foot checks and routine care. Something as small as breaking the skin while cutting your nails at home or having a blister from shoes can lead to severe complications without the necessary intervention. Due to the high sugar levels in the blood, this can prevent or delay the wound from healing, which increases the risk of infection.
Custom foot orthoses are used to redistribute and offload high-pressure areas in diabetic patients. These are designed to contour to the patients’ foot, increasing the surface area and provide cushioning, therefore, reducing the risk of a breakdown/ ulceration.