In the past 12 months over 100,000 people were diagnosed with diabetes bringing the nationwide tally to over 1.7 million diabetic sufferers.
Approximately 280 people are diagnosed with diabetes every day. Diabetes is by far the fastest growing chronic disease within our country, increasing at a quicker rate than heart disease and cancer with no sign of slowing down.
Diabetes Mellitus, most frequently referred to as diabetes, is a collection of metabolic diseases in which blood sugar levels are consistently of a high range for a prolonged period of time. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst, appetite and urination.
Over time an elevated blood glucose level or BGL can have lasting effect on the body, causing damage to your nerves and/or blood vessels. Damage to nerves and blood vessels is non-reversible.
Damaging blood vessels means that your extremities such as your feet don’t get enough oxygenated blood therefore it takes much longer to heal an ulceration or infection. Nerve damage due to diabetes can cause partial or total loss of sensation in your feet, meaning you may be unaware you have a blister or wound on your foot. These wounds quickly become ulcers and if left untreated they can lead to serious infection and even amputation.
If you have diabetes, it is very important you have your feet routinely monitored by a podiatrist to avoid any ulceration coupled with routine monitoring of blood glucose levels.
A podiatrist will be able to assess your blood flow using a Doppler ultrasound and your nerve reception level by isolating specific receptors through touch and documenting their individual receptiveness. Checking your blood glucose levels on a daily basis will also help your GP in the prescription of common diabetic medication control.
If you suffer from Diabetes Mellitus type 1 or type 2 and haven’t had a podiatric diabetic check up in the last 12 months, please don’t wait any longer. Book an appointment today at OnePointHealth on 4732 5188.
