Diabetes has a foot hold on Australians
         - with 3,000 foot related amputations each year

A new case of diabetes is detected in Australia every 15 minutes. One in four Australians over 25 years of age has diabetes or is at high risk of developing the disease within ten years. 3000 lower limb amputations are performed every year due to diabetes.  On World Diabetes Day, 14 November, the Australian Podiatry Association is alarmed at these statistics and says regular foot care and treatment can prevent diabetic foot complications.

“Foot problems are one of the main complications of diabetes, and people with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing foot problems than the average person. In particular,  foot problems associated with diabetes can lead to ulceration and amputation,” Carol Mioduchowski, Association Vice President said.  It is estimated that the number of Australians affected by diabetes will reach 1.5 million by the year 2010. Diabetes related foot ulcers and amputations cost the Australian health system $48 million per year, with diabetes related foot problems acting as the leading cause of hospitalisation for people with diabetes.

“Diabetes can lead to significant problems of the nervous and circulatory systems and the joints of the body. These problems particularly manifest themselves in the feet. Circulation problems slow down the open wound healing process, and nerve problems result in foot numbness that could bring about complete loss of sensation in the feet. Rigid joint deformities can also occur. These together with sensation loss can contribute to additional foot trauma from injury and ill-fitting footwear without the individual being aware of the problem,” Ms Mioduchowski explained.

Diabetes Australia and the Australian Podiatry Association recommend that people with diabetes see a podiatrist for a thorough ‘foot check up’ at least once a year.  “Most foot problems in people with diabetes occur when injuries - and often infections - go unnoticed and untreated, or when healing is slow due to poor circulation,” Ms Mioduchowski said.  “People with diabetes should develop a foot care routine. Five minutes a day is all it takes and early identification through regular inspection is the key,” Ms Mioduchowski added.  “For example, loss of sensation in feet due to diabetes means that a visual foot check, sometimes using a mirror, would show the first sign, possibly ulceration, of a problem.”

“Regular foot care, including avoiding walking barefoot, keeping feet clean, wearing well-fitting shoes, protecting your feet from injuries and cutting and filing nails carefully will help maintain healthy feet.  Specific problems of corns, calluses, ingrown toenails and infections or wounds to the feet that won’t heal need the immediate treatment by a podiatrist,” Ms Mioduchowski emphasised.

 “With diabetes affecting one million Australians and being the country’s sixth largest cause of death, prevention of diabetic foot complications is the better treatment.  People with diabetes can be assured that foot ulceration does not occur spontaneously and that daily foot inspections can be the key to early warning signs that foot treatment by a podiatrist should be sought,” Ms Mioduchowski said. “Keeping our feet in check will help prevent serious foot problems from diabetes.”

People wanting to consult a podiatrist should telephone the Association on (03) 9866 5906 for the location details of their local registered practitioner.