People with diabetes need to have their feet checked at least once a year. Diabetes causes changes to nerve endings, which results in numbness (the inability to feel pain). People may then injure themselves and not be aware of the injury resulting in wounds that don’t heal. Circulation problems can also result, causing an increased risk of infection.

In Australia, around 3,000 amputations are performed every year on the feet of adults with diabetes and an estimated $53 million is spent on diabetes-related lower limb complications including amputations. Complications such as ulcers are preventable.

An annual check-up by a podiatrist will help to identify these complications before they occur and provide important information as to your individual risk of developing a complication.

 

To avoid problems, people with diabetes should see a podiatrist regularly as well as have a foot care routine. This includes:

• Visually inspecting the feet at least once per day for cuts, blisters, corns or calluses
• Moisturising your feet on a daily basis
• Cleaning and covering any blisters, cuts or abrasions
• Wearing protective footwear at all times, especially if you have lost feeling in your feet.

Our podiatrists have special interests and skills in the management of complex diabetic foot problems. These skills have been developed through involvement in multi-disciplinary diabetes clinics, experience as a diabetes educator, working with Diabetes Australia and through continuing education and development within the practice.

Diabetes Prevention

An estimated 275 Australians develop diabetes every day.

• By 2031 it is estimated that 3.3 million Australians will have type 2 diabetes.
• Diabetes is a significant cause of death and disability in Australia.

At the Podiatry Point we believe that prevention is best and that is why the Podiatry Point has become involved in the New Lease of Life Campaign, a program funded by the Australian Government for the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes. This program is aimed at people who are at high risk of type 2 diabetes. This risk is determined by answering questions on the AUSDRISK questionaire. Patients who are categorized as high risk can be referred to the Reset Your Life Program by their doctor.

The Reset Your Life sessions are conducted at the Podiatry Point and paid for by the government.

They are 7 group sessions of about 1 and a half hours in length.

The 7 topics covered are;

• Session 1 - Introduction and what is pre-diabetes
• Session 2 - Physical activity and healthy weight
• Session 3 - Introduction to healthy eating
• Session 4 - Preventing cardiovascular disease
• Session 5 - Staying motivated and positive thinking
• Session 6 - Stress management
• Session 7 - Follow up session

Courses commence approximately every 6 weeks.

Qualifying for the program
Are you aged between 40-49 years of age?
Do you score 12 or more on the AUSDRISK tool?
Click here for the AUSDRISK questionnaire

Have you previously been diagnosed with diabetes (e.g. gestational diabetes)? If you do not qualify for the program under the government scheme you can still attend by paying privately for the course. The Reset Your Life program requires your GP to complete a GP Referral Form.

If you believe you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes e.g. have history of diabetes in your family, have an expanded waistline, smoke or take blood pressure medication then talk to your GP about the Reset your Life course which is part of the Lifestyle Modification Program under the New Lease of Life Campaign.