Diabetes mellitus often referred to simply as diabetes- is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough, or does not properly respond to insulin produced in the pancreas. Once digested, starchy foods ( e.g. potatoes, cakes) become glucose. Insulin enables cells (e.g. muscle, brain) to absorb glucose in order to turn it into energy. In diabetes, the body either fails to properly respond to its own insulin, does not make enough insulin, or both. This causes glucose to accumulate in the blood, often leading to various complications.

Well controlled Diabetes should mean the person has a near normal life style. However, if poorly controlled for whatever reason, complications are common. These complications centre around effects on blood vessels and circulation. Both small and large blood vessels can be affected detrimentally in diabetes. The resulting changes in circulation can impact upon various body systems, however there are specific implications associated with the lower limb and foot. In some people who have a loss of sensation, ulcers can develop which require careful dressing and pressure relief padding.

Neurological and vascular assessments are carried out to determine the extent of any damage caused by high blood glucose levels.

Diabetes and the foot
Foot complications are common in diabetes. The foot may be at risk in diabetes due to a reduced blood supply 
and / or alterations in the appreciation of pressure, position and pain. It is worth consulting a State
 Registered Podiatrist / Chiropodist for a foot health check up and advice on self care if you are diabetic. 
The following are some specific does and don?ts as far as your feet are concerned.
 
1. Inspect your feet daily, if you have good eye sight. If not, get a friend or carer to inspect them for you.
   Look out for corns and calluses, inflamed areas or bruising. Pay particular attention to any breaks in the skin.
   If any of these problems occur, consult a Podiatrist.
 
2. Keep your skin moist. Use a hand or face cream on your feet daily. Rub it well into the skin but do not
   apply between the toes, as these areas are usually already quite moist. Do not use creams that contain acids
   unless they have been prescribed for you.
 
3. Take great care with the temperature of water in which you are to bath or wash your feet.
   If your feet are insensitive, the water may burn the skin. 
   Test the temperature with your elbow or a thermometer.
 
4. Before putting your feet into a pair of shoes you should tap them upside down to ensure there is
   no grit or sharp object inside.  Run your hand inside them checking for rough seams.
   It is essential to wear well fitted leather foot wear.  
   It is never a good idea to walk bare foot, even around the house.
 
5. Take care when cutting your toe nails.  If you have any problems with your eye sight or have difficulty
   reaching your feet, get help from a relative or friend.  Always cut your nails straight across, rounding the edges
   with a file.  Alternatively file them regularly instead of cutting them. Do not cut them too short.  
   If your nails are thickened you may require professional help.
 
6. If you have any corns or calluses consult a Podiatrist.  Never try to reduce these areas of hard skin
   with creams, corn plasters or anything sharp. Seek professional help.
  
   
 
    For further advice go to http://www.diabetes.org.uk/