Why diabetes and feet need attention together
Diabetes affects more than just blood sugar — over time, it can affect circulation and the nerves that supply your feet. The combination of reduced sensation and reduced blood flow means small problems (a blister, a cut, an ingrown nail) can develop into bigger ones if they're not noticed early. This is why regular podiatry check-ups are part of standard care for people living with diabetes.
What a diabetic foot assessment includes
- Vascular check: assessing pulses in the foot and ankle, sometimes with Doppler
- Neurological check: testing sensation with monofilament and tuning fork
- Skin and nail assessment: looking for callus, cracks, fungal changes, ingrown nails
- Structural assessment: identifying high-pressure areas, deformities, footwear concerns
- Footwear review: whether what you're wearing is supporting or harming foot health
What "risk level" means
After assessment, your podiatrist will usually classify your feet into a risk category — low, moderate or high. This isn't a label; it's a guide to how frequently you should be reviewed and what protective measures make sense. Low-risk feet might be reviewed annually; higher-risk feet are reviewed more often.
What you can do at home
- Check your feet daily — top, sole and between the toes (use a mirror if needed)
- Wash and dry thoroughly, especially between toes
- Moisturise dry skin (but not between toes)
- Wear well-fitting shoes — avoid going barefoot, even at home, if your sensation is reduced
- Trim nails straight across (or ask your podiatrist)
- Check shoes before putting them on — small objects can go unnoticed if sensation is reduced
Warning signs that need prompt attention
Some changes warrant earlier review rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment:
- Any cut, blister, sore or change in skin colour that isn't healing as expected
- Increased redness, swelling, warmth or pain
- Drainage, smell or new pus
- Sudden change in sensation or function
If you notice any of these, contact your podiatrist or GP early. With diabetes, early action on a small problem is much easier than late action on a bigger one.
Medicare CDM and diabetes
People with diabetes may be eligible for podiatry under a Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan. This requires a GP referral and provides rebated podiatry visits each calendar year. Your podiatrist or GP can discuss whether this pathway suits your situation.
Coordinated care
Diabetes management usually involves a team — GP, endocrinologist, dietitian, podiatrist, sometimes others. Podiatry is one piece of that picture. Your podiatrist will communicate with the rest of your team where relevant, particularly if there are concerns about wound healing, infection or footwear.
Booking a diabetic foot check
If you have diabetes and haven't had a foot assessment in the past year (or your last review suggested more frequent checks), it's worth booking one. The starting point is usually a phone call to talk through what's involved and which pathway applies to you.
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