As far as diabetic foot disease is concerned it does not matter which type you have. If your blood glucose (sugar) is high the effects on your feet are the same.
The Diabetes team will regularly measure the amount of glucose in your blood using a test called HbA1c. This will give a guide to what your average blood glucose levels are over a 3 month period. Normal HbA1c is 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or below.
The results of your HbA1c lets the Diabetes team discuss changes to your care and medication.
Your GP, Pharmacist or Practice nurse can support you to make changes to improve your blood glucose levels. You may also be referred to a Doctor who specialises in diabetes, a dietician for diet advice or to exercise classes. Click here for advice and resources from the Dietitians at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Neuropathy
YOU are the best person to check your feet daily, looking out for any changes in the skin, cuts or grazes. If you can’t reach or see your feet please ask someone to help you, like your family or carers.
All patients living with diabetes should have their feet checked annually.
This is usually done by your Practice nurse or Podiatrist. The annual check will include:
Know your risk classification
After your annual diabetes foot check you will be given a risk classification. This is your level of risk of foot problems occurring. If you have a risk classification of ‘Active’, it means you have an ulcer on your foot and you will be referred urgently to Podiatry.
Click below to find out about our Podiatry Wound Clinic
IMPORTANT – If you have a break in the skin or discharge (oozing) onto your socks or stockings or if you have a red, hot, swollen foot please contact Podiatry for an URGENT referral and/or an appointment, or your GP, Practice Nurse, Pharmacist or Private Podiatrist (HCPC registered).
If you have DIABETES and any of the ACT NOW symptoms please contact Podiatry on 02920 335 134/5, Monday – Friday, 09.00 – 12.00 or 13.30 – 16.00.
Your details will be taken and a Podiatrist will call you back.
Lots of videos about living with Diabetes, including how to look after your feet.
The STANCE Diabetes Foot Health Education Sessions and booklet has been developed for Cardiff and Vale patients to give you the practical information you need to keep your feet healthy such as how to file your nails, how to identify foot problems with advice on how to manage them.
Podiatry Patient Management Centre,
Podiatry Services,
Cardiff Royal Infirmary,
Newport Road,
Cardiff
CF24 0SZ
For all enquiries call 02920 335135/4 or email Podcav@wales.nhs.uk
We’re currently working to improve the Keeping Me Well website. If you’d like to help us make this site a better, more helpful experience for you, please take a few minutes to let us know what improvements you’d like to see.