People who have diabetes are at risk of having complications develop, especially if their diabetic control is less than optimal. The complications that affect the feet in particular are:

• lessening or complete absence of sensation under the feet
• a decrease in blood circulation through the arteries and capillaries
• a decrease in range of motion of joints creating pressure areas

  When these are combined, a small injury to the foot can have dramatic
 implications!

 Approx 15% of people with diabetes will have a foot ulceration at some point
 in their lives (Palumbo,1985) and of these, almost 20% will require some
 amputation. (Pecraro,1990; Larsson,1998)

Everyone who has diabetes should personally check their feet daily for any injury, inflammation or changes and see a podiatrist who is experienced in working with diabetic complications, or their doctor, once or twice a year for a thorough checkup of their feet.