At Umina Podiatry, we'd like to add our voice to the conversation:
"We wish people knew that looking after your feet is one of the most important ways to stay healthy and active with diabetes."
or
"We wish people knew that a simple foot health assessment today can help prevent complications tomorrow."
'Living Out Loud' means taking action
Living with diabetes requires daily attention and care. National Diabetes Week is a reminder that small actions today can make a significant difference to your long-term health.
Whether you have recently been diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for many years, routine podiatry care is an important part of your healthcare team.
Why are foot checks so important?
Diabetes can affect both circulation and sensation in the feet. Over time, changes to nerve function may make it harder to feel pain, pressure, or injuries, while reduced circulation can affect healing.
Many foot problems develop gradually and without obvious symptoms. This means patients can be unaware of an issue until it becomes more serious.
Regular diabetic foot assessments help identify risks early, allowing treatment and management strategies to be put in place before complications occur.
What happens during a Diabetic Foot Assessment?
At Umina Podiatry, our diabetic foot health assessments include:
- Circulation testing
- Nerve and sensation screening
- Skin and nail health assessment
- Footwear evaluation
- Personalised foot health advice
These assessments provide valuable insight into your foot health and can help you maintain your mobility and independence.
5 Daily foot care habits for people living with diabetes
Living well with diabetes isn't just about blood sugar management. Looking after your feet every day can help you identify changes early and reduce the risk of complications.
1. Check your feet every day. Take a few moments each day to look for, cuts or scratches, blisters, redness, swelling, cracked skin, changes in skin colour or corns or calluses.2. Use a mirror to check the bottom of your feet. Many foot problems occur on the soles of the feet where they're difficult to see. use a hand mirror or ask a family member to help you check for pressure areas, cuts or wounds, cracks in the skin, or any changes around the heel or toes.3. Wash and dry your feet carefully. Wash your feet daily in warm water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Moist skin between the toes can increase the risk of a fungal infection.4. Moisturise dry skin. Dry, cracked skin can create an entry point for infection. Apply moisturiser to the tops and bottoms of your feet each day but avoid putting cream between your toes.5. Check your footwear before putting it on. Before slipping on your shoes, check inside for small stones, loose objects, wrinkled socks, or damaged insoles. If you have reduced sensation, even something small inside a shoe can cause a wound without you realising.
When should you see a podiatrist?
Book an appointment as soon as possible if you notice:
- A cut, blister, or wound that isn't healing
- Increased redness or swelling
- Changes in sensation, such as numbness or tingling
- New pain or discomfort
- Thick or difficult-to-manage nails
- Corns, calluses, or pressure areas
Early intervention is often the key to preventing more serious complications.
Book your Diabetic Foot Assessment
If it's been a while since your last foot check, now is the perfect time to prioritise your foot health.
Let's work together to keep you healthy, active, and confidently on your feet.
National Diabetes Week Special Offer
To support our community during National Diabetes Week, every patient who books a Diabetic Foot Assessment will receive:
🧦 A complimentary pair of diabetic-friendly socks
These socks are designed to provide additional comfort, reduce pressure points, and support healthy feet as part of your daily foot care routine.
Or call our friendly staff on (02) 4342 2878
Where can healthy feet take you?