Diabetic Assessment

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes then you are not alone. There are an estimated 1.2 million people (5.1% of the population) with diagnosed diabetes in Australia.

The purpose of a diabetic assessment is to detect any potential issues that may compromise your mobility and quality of life.

Diabetics are prone to having problems with their legs and feet due to the following two conditions:

Neuropathy (loss of normal nerve function)
Peripheral vascular disease (loss of normal circulation)

Complications Of Diabetes

Foot complications of diabetes can manifest in various forms, including:

Diabetic neuropathy: Nerve damage can cause tingling, burning, or loss of sensation in the feet, increasing the risk of injuries and infections.
Foot ulcers: Open sores or wounds that develop on the feet, often due to pressure, friction, or trauma, can lead to serious infections and even amputation if left untreated.
Peripheral vascular disease: Reduced blood flow to the feet can cause pain, cramping, and non-healing wounds, increasing the risk of tissue damage.
Charcot foot: A condition characterized by weakened bones and joint deformities, often resulting from repetitive trauma or neuropathy, can lead to instability and foot deformities.
Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or cellulitis, can occur more frequently in individuals with diabetes due to compromised immune function and poor circulation.

Symptoms

Early detection of foot complications is essential for preventing serious complications. Common symptoms to watch for include:

Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet.
Changes in skin color or temperature.
Swelling, redness, or tenderness.
Open sores, wounds, or blisters that do not heal.
Corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails.
Changes in foot shape or structure.

What To Expect With Your Diabetic Assessment

We test the productiveness of the following functions:

blood circulation
peripheral nervous system

We use a non-invasive method for testing your pedal pulses including the use of a vascular doppler in conjunction with the application of 10-gram monofilament when testing your nerves for sensation.

We also assess the state of your: