WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a very common and permanent condition. The medical term for diabetes is “Diabetes mellitus”.
The hormone insulin is produced in the pancreas. The body uses insulin to maintain blood sugar levels. In diabetes there is a disturbance of the metabolism and the body has difficulty in balancing the blood sugar level.
The most common types of diabetes are “type 1 diabetes” and “type 2 diabetes”.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, there is too little insulin available and the body no longer responds properly. Despite the different causes, both types can develop the same complications.
WWHAT ARE THE COMPLAINTS / COMPLICATIONS WITH DIABETES?
High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves over time. As a result, in parts of the body the sensation can diminish and eventually disappear. Good blood flow ensures that all parts of the body are supplied with oxygen and nutrients. If the blood vessels and / or nerves are damaged you are more prone to developing wounds, pressure points and calluses. Moreover, there is a chance that if you feel it less quickly, you will continue unnoticed. In this case, the foot does not get enough rest to recover. Your foot can become infected, which can have serious consequences.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE THE RISK OF COMPLICATIONS?
– Keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels.
– Do not walk barefoot, but always wear shoes, socks and / or slippers.
– Check your feet and toes every day for wounds, pressure marks, redness and swelling.
If you have diabetes, your feet are extra vulnerable. That is why we strongly advise you to have your feet checked by a podiatrist or doctor every year. Your care profile is determined during this annual check-up.
The care profile says something about the fragility of your feet. The higher the profile, the more care you will need to prevent or treat sores or ulcers on your feet (diabetic foot ulcers). There are 5 care profiles: 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The basic insurance reimburses the annual foot check. Did you receive care profile 2, 3 or 4 at the foot check ? In that case, the basic insurance also reimburses the following foot care to prevent or treat foot ulcers:
TREATMENT OF DIABETES BY FOOT PORTAL PODOTHERAPISTS
The podiatrist is the main practitioner at DM Voetzorg outside of chain care. The podiatrist determines in the consultation which (and how much) care you need. We call this a care profile. A personal treatment plan is drawn up for you based on your care profile.
The level of your care profile therefore determines how much medical care you need and whether this care is reimbursed by the health insurer. The podiatrist clearly states which part of your treatment with the pedicure falls under “medically necessary care”. Sometimes you do not need medically necessary treatment, in which case the podiatrist will not prescribe pedicure treatments.
The main goal is to keep your feet in good condition or to improve your foot condition with the help of pedicures.
The podiatrist at VoetPortaal can determine whether there are skin and nail problems and treat them if necessary. Furthermore, deviations in the shape and position of your feet are carefully mapped out. Our podiatrists may advise you to measure corrective insoles / insoles or orthoses.
The podiatrist will advise you on:
- Footwear
- Nail care
- Prevention of excessive callus formation
- Skincare
- Healthy lifestyle that can prevent foot problems
REIMBURSMENT
VoetPortaal has contracts with all major health insurers. If you fall within a care profile where medical care is necessary, then your podiatrist will prescribe your treatment (s). The podiatrist also indicates the number of pedicure treatments for that calendar year.
The costs for the podiatric consultation will be declared by the podiatrist to your insurer. The costs for the annual diabetes check-up are covered by the basic insurance: You will not receive an invoice for this and you do not have to pay a personal contribution to pay the reimbursement of DM Voetzorg.
When drawing up a care profile, your podiatrist will draw up a treatment plan and indicate which treatment applies to your situation.
MEDICAL PEDICURE
By combining a good check-up with – if necessary – care by a (medical) pedicure, you can prevent a lot of unnecessary suffering. VoetPortaal has a cooperation agreement with a wide network of medical pedicures or pedicures with the endorsement diabetic foot treatment.
See here the connected pedicures.
Pedicure method: The pedicure will perform the medically necessary treatment described by the podiatrist. The pedicure may request a personal contribution for additional “non-medically necessary” care. This care falls under cosmetic treatments and this is at your own expense.
The collaborating pedicures of VoetPortaal may only do this if they have respected the following three points:
– There is prior consultation whether you want the cosmetic treatment and what the costs will be.
– You will receive a receipt / proof of payment of the cosmetic treatment from the pedicurist.
– If there is a ‘home visit’ by the pedicurist, she must inform you in advance of any costs associated with this.
You are not obliged to use additional (cosmetic) treatments. If you do wish to make use of this, you can indicate this with your pedicure. A pedicure who does not have a collaboration agreement with VoetPortaal cannot submit claims for treatments to VoetPortaal. If you nevertheless want to remain under treatment with a pedicure who does not have a cooperation agreement with VoetPortaal, you will have to pay the treatment costs yourself. In this case, you can ask your health insurer whether this is nevertheless reimbursed from an additional insurance policy (taken out by you).
CHARCOT
In rare cases, a Charcot foot can develop in people with diabetes.
Is one of your feet hot, red, thick, or painful for no reason? Or does your shoe suddenly no longer fit? Seek direct contact with a specialist. You may have a beginner Charcot foot .