Diabetic foot screening

Diabetics are at risk of developing foot related problems because of the effect the disease can have on foot circulation and sensation. It is beneficial to be screened at regular intervals and we would recommend a screening at least once a year.

Peripheral neuropathy

This is the principal condition that effects diabetics more than non diabetic patients and is thought to be caused by high levels of glucose in the blood leading to damage of the blood vessels that supply the nerves.

There are other contributing factors that lead to peripheral neuropathy, including

    smoking
    regularly consumption of large amounts of alcohol
    are over 40 years old
    deficiency in B12 or other vitamins
    actual direct physical damage to the nerves
    an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
    inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis)