Diabetes

As Chiropodists, we provide extensive treatment for the diabetic foot as well as emphasizing good foot health in order to prevent possible problems in the feet. All people who have been diagnosed as having diabetes are quickly seen and treated appropriately to avoid potential complications. Chiropody is primary care profession providing specialised and comprehensive foot management for many different groups within the community including persons with diabetes. Chiropody is one of only two professions in Canada which are educated specifically
in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and leg problems.

It is recommended that all newly diagnosed diabetic patients receive a consultation with a Registered Chiropodist for at least one appointment. Even if there are no apparent foot problems, a Chiropodist can perform an overview of your feet while providing appropriate advice and tips in the form of discussion or literature to ensure the feet remain healthy.

Persons with diabetes, who have foot problems or require basic footcare and advice, can consult with their chiropodist who can provide comprehensive treatment while discussing some of the important aspects of the disease, and how it relates to the feet and legs. With the increasing data and treatment techniques which have become available to the medical community, we are actively engaged in new approaches and treatments in the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot complications.

Some persons with diabetes are unaware or reluctant to seek appropriate footcare and are placed at increased risk to foot and leg complications. It is important to remember that you recieve the best care available when you see your chiropodist for a consult.
The following outlines some of the health care facts for diabetic patients in North America in 1988 (it should be noted that the number of diagnosed diabetics has since increased significantly).

15% of all diabetics develop foot ulcerations, primarily due to trauma/injury and repetitive stress to insensitive feet (eg. toe rubbing in a slipper) 6 of every 1000 diabetics undergo amputation.
20% of diabetic patients entering hospital do so due to foot related problems. Many of these problems if treated at the onset could have been prevented.

Over 40,000 major amputations in diabetics take place every year in the U.S. In a recent survey, only one in every three diabetics were free of diabetic foot symptoms. In the Peterborough/ Lindsay and surrounding area, (total population 160,625) there are approx. 9700 diagnosed diabetics.

It is important to note that there are also an undetermined number of undiagnosed diabetics
also who are obviously at even greater risk. The numbers of newly diagnosed increase daily.
Over 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in Canada The costs involved with hospitalization are enormous not to mention the physical and mental trauma of surgery, rehabilitation etc. In Canada, $30 Billion dollars are spent each year on health care for diabetes-related illness.

The focus of our clinics is towards prevention, however many of our patients do have foot problems and require treatment. These range from nail care and callous, to foot ulcerations and potential surgery. However for every patient, a management plan is formulated, ensuring they receive proper and comprehensive footcare.
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