Why can people with diabetes develop problems with their feet?

Dr Prashant Vas, Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist explains why some people with Diabetes develop foot problems. He explains that this can occur as a result of nerve and circulation problems affecting the foot. He explains that part of the process can involve the foot becoming misshapen.

In this short video, Mr Shalhoub talks about how often foot checks should be done for people with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease.

Dr Prashant Vas, Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist talks about how difficult it is to heal ulcers in the feet of people with Diabetes. He explains that healing is easier the quicker the treatment is given. In the UK, he says, that 50% of Diabetic foot ulcers heal within 12 weeks with treatment.

Richard shares problems he's experienced with Diabetic foot problems. He talks about numbness and a 'dropped foot' also. Richard also shares his experiences of having a Diabetic Foot ulcer. He also talks about Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) causing lack of blood supply to his feet and that he had had surgery to improve this problem.

Dr Mushtaqur Rahman, Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist talks about how to do a Foot Check for someone with Diabetes. He talks about looking for various issues then feeling for your pulses around the ankle. He mention pressing the tips of the toes to assess the blood circulation there. Dr Rahman then talks about tests for nerve damage including feeling touch as well as other specialised tests for nerve function.

Dr Prashant Vas, Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist talks about Ischaemic Diabetic Foot ulcers. He explains that these occur due to lack of blood supply to the foot in the arteries of the leg. He also discusses Neuropathy-Ischaemic ulcers which are caused by both lack of blood supply as well as damage to the nerves of the leg by Diabetes.