Diabetic Assessments

Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia and relative insulin deficiency and it effects more 4.9 million people in the UK. There are two type of Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) however the management from a Podiatric point of view is the same for both. Diabetic Assessments should be carried out at least annually on all diabetic patients to ascertain if there has been any change in the neurological or vascular status of their feet. If your diabetes is under control and your blood glucose levels are stable then there should be little to no concern regarding your feet however they should still be checked.

What to Expect During Your Assessment

During your assessment we will assess the vascular status of your feet using a Doppler which allows us to check the circulation of oxygenated blood to your feet and de-oxygenated blood away from your feet. We will then begin assessing the neurological status of your feet (basically how well you can feel things) using various tools such as a monofilament. We will follow up the appointment by writing to your GP with any findings or if required to request further assessments, such as an ankle brachial pressure test (ABPI).

We take the status of your circulation and diabetes very seriously so in light of this we also provide all new patients with a six-lead echocardiogram (ECG) that can detect 6 of the most common arrhythmias, our system is the most advanced personal ECG technology in the world and can detect one of the most common arrhythmias, Atrial Fibrillation. For more information about vascular assessments and Atrial Fibrillation please click here.