I have horrible-looking
toenails. What can be
done about them?Danielle says: There are
many different reasons why
you may develop thickened
and/or discoloured toenails.
Sometimes it can be due
to physical damage, such
as repetitive trauma from
playing sport or pressure
on the nail over time from
wearing poorly fitting shoes.
They are also commonly
the result of a fungal
infection (onychomycosis),
but can be a sign of other
medical problems. It is
important that you discuss
with your podiatrist what
these other causes could be
and ways to prevent them
from getting worse.
Treatment, of course,
will depend on the cause
of the nail problem, but
can involve use of topical
treatments (often for many
weeks to months) as well
as oral medication. Regular
treatment can help prevent
them from getting worse
or from becoming painful
or a source of infection.
In some circumstances
the affected nails can be
surgically removed.Danielle Veldhoen, podiatristEmail your questions to:
[email protected]
Post: Diabetic Living, Q&A: Health,
GPO Box 7805, Sydney, NSW 2001.Q
&A(^) ASK DANIEL
LE
currently
has the
highest rate
of diabetes-
related deaths
in the world.
- World Life
Expectancy ranking
on diabetes
FIJI
A study conducted at the
University of Illinois examined
the factors associated with the
quality of life among 180 young
adults (aged 18-35) with type
diabetes. Researchers concluded:
- 6 in 10 report being afraid
of long-term complications. - 70 per cent report being scared
their feet will be affected.- 42 per cent worry frequently
about having a low-blood glucose
crisis when asleep.
If you are worried about any
of the above yourself, please
discuss with your healthcare
team and/or join a support group
in your state. To find one near you,
visit jdrf.org.au/type-1-diabetes/
support-groups.
- 42 per cent worry frequently
Impact diabetes
has on WELLBEING
diabetic living MARCH/APRIL 2019 15