Did you know people living with diabetes are more likely to develop foot problems such as wounds which when left untreated can lead to ulcers and gangrene? It can actually be so serious it leads to amputation and prevents people from being active – a vital element in managing and preventing diabetes.

Newcastle University PhD student, Alex Barwick says although it’s common, there’s still a lot to learn about how these issues come about and the best way to treat them.

“No one has ever looked into damage to the foot bones before,†she said.

Diabetes NSW Head of Health and Education Services says feet are a vital check point for people living with and at risk of diabetes.

“Checking the circulation and sensation in the feet of people with diabetes is essential in preventing, or at least detecting the early onset of complications,†Ms Hazelwood said.

For the full article published in the Newcastle Herald click here