Published on February 28, 2022
Foot problems are very common among diabetics. They’re mainly caused by two diabetes complications affecting the feet: diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and peripheral artery disease (poor blood circulation). These two conditions considerably raise the risks of foot infections, diabetic foot ulcers, or gangrene which could lead to the amputation of a toe, a foot, or a leg.
To stay away from these serious problems, taking extra care of your feet is essential when living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In addition, an annual diabetic foot exam is highly recommended. It helps detect and diagnose diabetes-related foot problems at their earliest stage and avoid severe complications. In the USA, a yearly diabetic foot exam is even covered by Medicare and most medical insurance companies.
But what exactly happens during a diabetes foot examination? Do you have to prepare for it? What kind of tests are run?
Diabetic foot exams all follow about the same procedure and series of medical tests. The health professional is looking for two main things: foot or leg problems, and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy or peripheral artery disease. A diabetic foot exam is 100% pain-free. You do not need to prepare for it. All you will be asked to do is to take off your shoes and socks, and answer a few questions. Here is what you can expect to happen during your next diabetic foot exam:
Your healthcare provider will most likely begin your diabetic foot examination with a series of questions to assess your general health and diabetes management. Do not hesitate to mention any previous problems you’ve had with your feet even if they happened years ago.
The doctor will visually inspect your feet to search for any skin or toenail problems such as dry or cracked skin, fungal infections, wounds, blisters, calluses, corns, or signs of diabetic foot ulcers.
During the monofilament test – also called the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test – your GP or podiatrist will brush a soft nylon fiber over your feet to test their sensibility to touch. It’s a neurological test to diagnose neuropathy in the feet. If you cannot feel anything, it’s an indication of nerve damage.
The doctor will gently tap on your feet with a small mallet or a rubber hammer to check your ankles’ reflexes. This is called the ankle jerk reflex – or Achille reflex. The absence of reflex is abnormal and may indicate neurological disorders caused by diabetes (neuropathy).
Here’s a very informative video by DIABETES UK about what to expect when having a diabetic foot exam. You can most probably expect the same wherever you live in the World:
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, and even more so with peripheral neuropathy, chances are your national or private medical insurance covers the cost of one diabetic foot exam per year. Think about it this way: your diabetic foot exam will cost your insurance company a few dozens of dollars vs thousands of dollars if you get serious foot problems. It’s prevention for yourself as much as for your insurance company!
In the USA, Medicare covers most of diabetes medical costs. It is expressly stated on Medicare.gov that Medicare “covers foot exams once a year if you have diabetic peripheral neuropathy and loss of protective sensations, as long as you haven’t seen a foot care professional for another reason between visits.”
For UK residents, the National Health Services (NHS) entitles everyone with diabetes to at least one annual foot check. It’s free.
About the Author
I’m Laura. Type 1 diabetic. Mother. Traveler. Writer. Researcher. I started this blog 5 years ago to investigate diabetes-related topics and share different views on the subject. I hope you find it useful! You can contact me here, and read my partner diabetes organizations around the World here.
SweetTrip is reader-supported and I sometimes use affiliate links. When you buy a product through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed are my own.
Follow Sweet Trip
SWEET TRIP – 21 le clos barnier – 06530 FRANCE