Foot health for people with diabetes will be on the agenda as part of National Diabetes Week.
This Friday, Werribee podiatrist Phillip Spark will lead the discussion for members of a Wyndham support group for people with the disease.
Dr Spark says he will provide advice on the selection of the most appropriate footwear for people diagnosed with diabetes and on methods for preventing foot damage.
Diabetes is a condition in which the amount of sugar in the blood is too high and the body is unable to use it properly.
If poorly controlled, the disease can affect feet possibly leading to nerve damage, impaired foot sensation and poor blood circulation.
According to Diabetes Australia statistics, the prevalence of the disease in Wyndham (5.6 per cent) is higher than the rest of Australia’s average (5.3 per cent). Type two diabetes is the most common in Wyndham, accounting for 83.6 per cent of people with diabetes in the region.
The Werribee Diabetes Support Group has been supporting people diagnosed with diabetes for 19 years. Cr Bob Fairclough, the group’s convener, is inviting anybody with diabetes to attend.
The free session with Dr Spark will begin at 10am at Kelly Park Community Centre.
