Firm’s footchecker

Every year, around the world, November 14th is recognised as World Diabetes Day. This day, officially designated by The United Nations in 2006, is a day to increase awareness of the effects of diabetes, its prevention and complications and the care that people with the condition require.

Diabetes is the common name for a range of conditions including diabetes mellitus type one and diabetes mellitus type two, and gestational diabetes.

These are all conditions, which affect how the pancreas secretes insulin and how the body reacts to this hormone.

Depending on the type and severity, diabetes is controlled by dietary requirements, weight loss, oral medication or injected insulin. It is well documented that regular checks of the feet can help to identify changes that could have an impact on a person’s health and well being.

As part of World Diabetes Day, 14th November, Londonderry based business Marble Hill has launched the first online footchecker on twitter @dailyfootcheck/ @marblehillskin and www.marblehillonline.co.uk. It is well documented that limbs have been saved by regularly checking the feet for any changes. This unique interactive social media service is free, global and brand new! It will remind people to check their feet once a day and help to develop good long-term foot care habits including easy to understand tips and advice.

Marble Hill is owned and managed by retired medical practitioner Dr Maria McGee.

She said: “While regular foot checks are a necessity, research has revealed that people aren’t making it a part of their daily regime. With this in mind we have developed, the first of its kind, a daily foot check.

“When people sign up on our facebook or twitter, they will receive daily notifications to remind them to check their feet along with tips and advice on what to look for. We really hope that this free service will be of benifit to people across Ireland and beyond.”