If you have diabetes, foot care should be your top priority

If you have diabetes, foot care should be your top priority There are 3 million people in the UK who have diabetes and an estimated 850,000 people who have the condition, but don’t even know it. And with this disease comes an array of health concerns, one being diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), a major health concern and a common cause of hospitalization. Most foot problems that people have who are diabetic arise from 2 serious complications of the disease, being nerve damage and poor circulation. The lack of feeling and poor blood flow can allow just a small blister or wound to progress into a serious infection in just a matter of days. The consequences of this can range from a hospital stay, antibiotics to treat any infection or sadly to an amputation of a toe or even a foot. I speak from experience here as my Father is diabetic. So in saying that it is always advisable and sensible to have a discussion with your GP on Diabetes is an understatement. As in my opinion, only they know the best ways to help you learn more about the condition and health concerns that Diabetes brings with it such as diabetic foot ulcers and the steps you can make to help prevent them. So if you have a diabetic foot ulcer that won’t heal, a Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN) will probably be able to help you. Diabetes Specialist Nurses (DSNs) focus on evaluating diabetic foot ulcers and will more likely have access to further treatment options. Talk to your GP to see if they will refer you to see a Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN) as they are the backbone of diabetes treatment and care here in the UK. By taking care of your feet every day, you may be able to prevent diabetic foot sores. To help you do this, you can start by controlling your blood sugar levels, and get your feet checked on a regular basis at home and by your GP. Tell your GP immediately if you have a sore, or potential diabetic foot ulcer on your feet, and always ensure you attend all your GP appointments to keep on top of your condition.