There are two different but equally destructive types of diabetes.

Type I involves an insulin deficiency and often develops at an early age.

Type II Diabetes accounts for 85% of diabetes in Australia* and is associated with an insulin resistance.

Poor management of diabetes can lead to foot problems and increased risk of lower limb amputation. Podiatry can greatly reduce this risk.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease, which means it lasts a long time or often someone’s whole life.

For Our Bodies to work properly we need to convert glucose (sugar) from food into energy. A hormone called insulin is essential for the conversion of glucose into energy.

In people with diabetes, insulin is no longer produced or not produced in sufficient amounts by the body.

So when people with diabetes eat glucose, which is in foods such as bread, cereals, fruit and starchy vegetables, legumes, milk, yogurt and sweets, it can’t be converted into energy. Instead of being turned into energy the glucose stays in the blood. This is why blood glucose levels are higher in people with diabetes.

Glucose is carried around your body in your blood. Your blood glucose level is called glycemia.

What can You Do About Diabetes?

Diabetic must consult their doctor who will guide them on how to measure and balance your glycemic index.

Diet

What you eat is vital. Diabetics need to maintain their glycemic index within a healthy range. It is best to consult with your doctor and/or dietician for the best advice.

Does Exercise Help Diabetics?

Everybody benefits from regular exercise. If you have diabetes or are at risk of diabetes it plays an even more important role in keeping you healthy.

For a person with diabetes exercise helps:

Regular exercise is an important part of your diabetes management. If you are on insulin, it will help your insulin to work more efficiently and assist with your blood glucose control. However, if your diabetes is poorly controlled (i.e. fasting blood glucose levels greater than 14 mmol/L and urinary ketones) then it is best to avoid exercise until your blood glucose has settled. Exercise in these circumstances can actually elevate blood glucose and increase ketone production.

You are discouraged from strenuous physical activity if you are feeling unwell or have ketones present in your blood or urine.

What Organs Does Diabetes Effect?

Unfortunately, Diabetes is a systemic disease that affects your whole body. This includes your eyes, heart, kidneys, skin, liver and feet. It affects the speed that your injuries heal and neglect can cause permanent long-term damage.

How Does a Podiatrist Help Diabetics?

Regular checkups will ensure you foot health is monitored and maintained. This includes:

Early detection of these risk factors will enable us to come up with a plan to prevent future complications enabling you to get on with your life.