Podiatrists are one of the essential professions in diabetic care, and have an important role to play in preventing and managing foot complications in people with diabetes. Feet can be greatly affected by diabetes and should be monitored regularly for any changes. It is advised that low risk diabetic feet be checked every 6-12 months for complications and high risk feet be checked every 3-6 months.
 
Why is Podiatry Essential for Diabetics?

• Diabetes can causes nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy in the feet leading to loss of sensation.
• Diabetes can affect the circulation in the feet, and poor circulation can affect how the body heals.
• People with diabetes are more prone to foot infections
• Diabetic complications can lead to foot ulcers and amputation
• Diabetes can affect the joints and make them stiffer
• With regular check ups from your Podiatrist, most of these foot problems can be prevented.

Skin & Nail Care for Diabetic Feet
Due to an increased risk of foot complications, diabetics are often advised to get their toenails cut by a podiatrist. Whilst not all diabetics need their nails cut, those at risk of circulation problems, have a loss of feeling in their feet, eye sight problems or a decrease in flexibility are often advised to see a podiatrist for routine skin and nail care and maintenance.
 
High Risk or Low Risk?
It is important to find out whether your feet are at high or low risk of developing diabetic foot complications. A podiatrist can carry out an easy and painless check on your feet to determine whether your feet have a low or high risk of developing more serious problems.

Low risk Diabetic feet: These feet have normal sensation, good blood flow and are generally in good condition. However it is important to know that low risk feet can become high risk feet without symptoms, so 6 monthly checks are still important.

High Risk Diabetic Feet: People with neuropathy, poor circulation, or those who have had a foot ulcer or amputation in the past are classified as high risk of foot complications. Feet with corns, calluses, cracked heels, or deformities like claw toes also have increased risk especially if poor feeling and/or decreased blood flow are also present.

If you have high risk feet you should have them checked by your podiatrist every 3 – 6 months. It is generally recommended that these people also have their nails cut by their podiatrist to help eliminate risk factors associated with cutting toenails.