Looking after a healing Diabetic foot ulcer.

John talks frankly about considering an amputation for a serious Diabetic foot emergency. He very honestly speaks about the thoughts that went though his mind at the time. He explains that he was relatively accepting of what needed to be done given the circumstances he was in.

Richard talks about a very difficult year that he's had with very deep heel ulcers on both feet. He talks about the struggle he's had and the pro-active role and responsibility he feels has helped him through to recovery.

Dr Mushtaqur Rahman, Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist talks about the usual locations of ulcers which are caused by lack of blood supply (Ischamic Ulcers). He talks about ulcers on the tips of the toes as well as the soles of the feet. He also and how different causes can occur together so we can't rely on location alone.

Dr Mushtaqur Rahman, Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist gives advice on staying healthy with Diabetic Foot problems. He talks about checking your own feet and looking out for problems. He also talks about using simple measures to keep you feet healthy. He says that if people develop nerve damage then the usual protective mechanisms of feeling pain don't work as well for you. Hence being more vigilant than other people is suggested - in the same way Bear Grills might check his boots for scorpions in the jungle!

Jayne Robbie, Senior Lecturer in Diabetes Care, Specialist Podiatrist explains how often you should have Foot Checks for people with Diabetes. She explains that an assessment is made at your annual health check if you are at high or low risk. If you have any degree of problem then every three months would be normal. If you have ongoing foot problems then you may well be on a more individualised program.

Dr Mushtaqur Rahman, Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist talks about how often you should have foot checks done as a person with Diabetes. He stresses that having numbness or nerve damage in the feet is a very important to tell your healthcare providers. He explains that if you have any risk factors picked up by the yearly checks then you should be looked after by Podiatrists and potentially have more frequent foot checks done.