Diabetic Foot Examination: A Step-by-Step Guidlines

 

Diabetic Foot Examination: A Step-by-Step Guidlines

Diabetic foot examination is a crucial aspect of diabetes management, as people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing foot-related complications. Here is a step-by-step guide to conducting a thorough diabetic foot examination:

1) Introduces yourself: Introduce yourself by telling your name, your designation and what procedure you are going to do.

 

2) Take Consent From: Take permission from patient before starting the examination.

 

3)  Wash your Hand: Wash Your hand before starting the Examination

4) Exposure: Expose the both legs from foot to mid of thigh.

 

5) Inspection: Begin by visually inspecting the feet, checking for any cuts, blisters, bruises, swelling, or redness. Also, look for any signs of fungal infections, such as discoloration or thickening of the skin.

 

6) Temperature test: Check the temperatures of both foot with your hands. Poor circulation might cause one foot to feel colder than the other.

 

7)Sensitivity test:  Use a tuning fork or a monofilament to assess the sensation in the feet. Neuropathy may be present if the patient's feet no longer feel as well.

8) Pulse check: Check the pulse at the posterior tibial and dorsal pedal. A weak pulse could be a sign of impaired circulation.

9) Muscle strength test: Asking the patient to move their toes and feet up and down can allow you to assess the patient's foot and ankle muscle strength. Muscle wasting may be seen if there is weakness in the feet and ankles.

10) Range of motion test: 1)      Asking the patient to point and flex their toes will allow you to assess the patient's foot and ankle range of motion. Reduced range of motion could be a sign of joint issues.

11) Nail examination: Check the nails for any bacterial or fungal diseases, as well as any ingrown toenails.

 

12) Gait Examination: Observing how the patient's body moves while typically moving from one location to another.

13) Footwear check: Examine the patient's shoes for good fit and any wear and tear that can cause skin irritation or breakdown.

A diabetic foot exam should be performed at least once a year, or more frequently if issues are found. Serious foot issues in diabetics can be avoided with early detection and treatment.

 

Dr.Muhammad Arsalan Khan

Diabetes Specialist
MBBS, DHHM, 
MSc (Diabetes & Endocrinology) - DUHS
CCD-BMJ-AKU-RCP (London)

 

Diabetes Step by Step Management Guidelines

 

Millions of people throughout the world suffer from the chronic ailment known as diabetes. It is a condition when the body is unable to make enough insulin or utilise it appropriately, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Having an effective management strategy in place is crucial for keeping diabetes under control. Here are detailed instructions for controlling diabetes:

1. 1)    Monitor blood sugar levels: To manage diabetes, regular blood sugar monitoring is necessary. Track your blood sugar levels frequently with a glucose metre or continuous glucose monitor.

1. 2)    Good eating practices: A balanced diet low in sugar and bad fats is essential for managing diabetes. An individualised nutrition plan can be created with the assistance of a dietician.

1. 3)    Work out frequently: Physical activity can help regulate blood sugar levels and lower the risk of problems from diabetes. On most days of the week, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise.

1. 4)    Medication: Follow your doctor's instructions for taking your medications. Speak to your doctor or chemist if you are experiencing any adverse affects or have any questions.

1. 5)    Give up smoking: Smoking raises the risk of heart disease and other problems from diabetes. Consult your doctor about ways to stop smoking if you do.

1. 6)    Foot care: People with diabetes are more likely to experience foot issues. Wear comfortable shoes, keep your feet dry and clean, and often check them for cuts, blisters, or other symptoms of injury to lessen the risk.

1. 7)    Manage stress: Because stress can alter blood sugar levels, it's crucial to manage stress using strategies like deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation.

1. 8)    Regular check-ups: It's important to schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to track the development of your diabetes and any associated complications.

1. 9)    Seek assistance: Having a network of friends, family, and other diabetics to lean on can help you manage the disease and maintain your motivation.

People with diabetes can successfully manage their illness and lower their risk of complications by adhering to these recommendations. Everybody has different needs, so it's vital to chat to your doctor about what will be most effective for you.

Dr.Muhammad Arsalan Khan
Diabetes Specialist
MBBS, MSc (Diabetes & Endocrinology) - DUHS
CCD-BMJ-AKU-RCP (London)

Diabetic Retinopathy: Understanding and Managing the Condition

 

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a progressive eye disease that can lead to blindness if not detected and treated early. In this blog, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for diabetic retinopathy.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy happened when high blood glucose levels cause injury to the blood vessels in the retina, at the back of the eye. The damaged blood vessels can leak blood and other fluids into the retina, causing swelling and blurred vision. Over time, new, abnormal blood vessels may grow on the retina, which can cause further vision loss and other complications.

What are the causes of diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by long-term high blood sugar levels, which can damage the blood vessels in the retina. People with uncontrolled diabetes or who have had the condition for many years are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking.

What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

There may no symptoms in early stages of diabetic retinopathy. As the disease progresses, people may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, dark spots or floaters in their vision, and trouble seeing at night.

How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?

Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, including dilated eye exam, which allows the eye doctor to see the retina and blood vessels. If diabetic retinopathy is detected early, treatment can help prevent vision loss and other complications.

What are the treatments for diabetic retinopathy?

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the stage and severity of the disease. In the early stages, strict control of blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can help slow the progression of the disease. In more advanced stages, laser treatment, injections of drugs into the eye, and surgery may be necessary to preserve vision.
In conclusion, diabetic retinopathy is a serious and potentially blinding complication of diabetes. Early detection and management of the disease can help prevent vision loss and other complications. People with diabetes should have regular comprehensive eye exams to monitor for diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes, work closely with your healthcare team to keep your blood sugar levels under control and protect your vision.

Dr.Muhammad Arsalan Khan
Diabetes Specialist
MBBS, Msc (Diabetes & Endocrinology) - DUHS

CCD-BMJ-AKU-RCP (London)

Hypertension in Diabetic Patients

 

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common complication among diabetic patients. This is because diabetes and hypertension have a complex and interrelated relationship, with one condition often leading to or exacerbating the other.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects the way the body uses glucose, or sugar, for energy. When glucose levels in the blood are too high, it can damage the blood vessels and organs, including the heart and kidneys. This damage can lead to hypertension, as the blood vessels become stiff and narrowed, making it

harder for the heart to pump blood through them.

Hypertension, in turn, can also worsen diabetes by increasing the risk of further damage to the blood vessels and organs. High blood pressure can also make it harder for the kidneys to filter waste products from the blood, which can lead to kidney damage and an increased risk of kidney failure.

To manage hypertension in diabetic patients, it is important to control both the blood pressure and glucose levels. This can be done through a combination of

lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and

maintaining a healthy weight, as well as medication.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the following blood pressure targets for adults with diabetes:

Less than 130/80 mm Hg for most adults with diabetes.

Less than 120/80 mm Hg for adults with diabetes who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease or who have chronic kidney disease.

In addition to blood pressure management, the ADA also recommends that people with diabetes receive regular screenings for cardiovascular disease risk factors, including cholesterol and blood glucose levels, and that they maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Some common medications used to treat hypertension in diabetic patients include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics. These medications work by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the force of the heart's contractions.

In addition to medication, it is also important for diabetic patients with hypertension to monitor their blood pressure regularly and to see their healthcare provider for regular check-ups. This will help to ensure that the

hypertension is being effectively managed and that any complications or side

effects are caught early on.

Overall, hypertension is a common and serious complication of diabetes that can lead to further damage to the blood vessels and organs. By controlling both the blood pressure and glucose levels, and with regular monitoring and treatment,

diabetic patients can effectively manage their hypertension and reduce the risk

of complications.

Dr.Muhammad Arsalan Khan

Diabetes Specialist

MBBS, MSc (Diabetes & Endocrinology) - DUHS

CCD-BMJ-AKU-RCP (London)

 

How To Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Preventing diabetic foot ulcers is an important aspect of managing diabetes. These ulcers can lead to serious complications, including amputation. Here are some tips to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers:

1) Keep your blood sugar under control. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your feet, making it more difficult for your body to heal wounds.

2) Inspect your feet daily. Look for any signs of redness, swelling, or blisters. If you feel any changes in your feet, than contact your doctor immediately.

3) Keep your feet clean and dry. clean your feet regularly with hot water and light soap. Don't forget to dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between your all toes.

4) Wear properly fitting shoes. Make sure your shoes fit well and provide enough room for your toes. Avoid shoes with high heels, narrow toes, or tight straps.

5) Protect your feet from injury. Wear protective gear, such as shoes and socks, when you are participating in activities that may cause injury to your feet.

6) Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity can improve blood flow to your feet and help prevent complications from diabetes.

7) Avoid smoking. Smoking can damage the blood vessels in your feet, making it more difficult for your body to heal wounds.

8) Maintain a healthy diet. Eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your blood sugar under control.

By following these tips, you can help prevent diabetic foot ulcers and reduce your risk of complications from diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your condition and keep your feet healthy 

Dr Muhammad Arsalan Khan

MBBS, MSc (Diabetes & Endocrinology)

CCD-BMJ-AKU-RCP (LONDON)

 

25 Famous Quotes Of Shakepears

 

1.    "To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them?" – Hamlet

 

2.    "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts." - As You Like It

 

3.    "To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." – Hamlet

 

4.    "All that glitters is not gold." - The Merchant of Venice

 

5.    "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." – Hamlet

 

6.    "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." – Hamlet

 

7.    "To be a well-favored man is the gift of fortune; but to write and read comes by nature." - As You Like It

 

8.    "To be brave is to live forever." - Julius Caesar

 

9.    "To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them?" – Hamlet

 

10.                       "If music be the food of love, play on." - Twelfth Night

 

11.                       "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." - As You Like It

 

12.                       "To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." – Hamlet

 

13.                       "All that glitters is not gold." - The Merchant of Venice

 

14.                       "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." – Hamlet

 

15.                       "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." – Hamlet

 

16.                       "To be a well-favored man is the gift of fortune; but to write and read comes by nature." - As You Like It

 

17.                       "To be brave is to live forever." - Julius Caesar

 

18.                       "Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow." - Romeo and Juliet

 

19.                       "If music be the food of love, play on." - Twelfth Night

 

20.                       "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." - As You Like It

 

21.                       "To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." – Hamlet

 

22.                       "All that glitters is not gold." - The Merchant of Venice

 

23.                       "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." – Hamlet

 

24.                       "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." – Hamlet

 

25.                       "To be a well-favored man is the gift of fortune; but to write and read comes by nature." - As You Like It