Meet Alisha Lalbeharie. She is a registered podiatrist from KZN who completed her BTech Podiatry in 2019. In 2023, she received the Best Lower Limb Care Provider award at the African Excellence Awards. She is the Kwa-Zulu Natal Branch Chair for 2023-2025 for the Podiatry Association of South Africa. This year, she completed the CDE Academy Foundation Course in Diabetes Care for Health Professionals.
She is very passionate about her profession, and today she will share her insights and the importance of the podiatrist in the diabetes management team.
Who is Alisha?
Alisha Lalbeharie is an enthusiastic podiatrist, who loves helping people with their lower limb problems.
Alisha graduated from the University of Johannesburg in 2019 and opened her own private practice in 2020 in Ladysmith KZN. Since then, she has set up two further monthly practices in Northern KZN – Newcastle and Estcourt.
She manages and treats different types of lower limb problems, from your hips to your toenails.
Alisha has a special interest in Lower Limb Management in Diabetes but she also deals with a variety of other conditions associated with the lower limb such as ingrown toenails, and foot and ankle pain.
Alisha is also passionate about her social media platforms and enjoys educating people on podiatry and how podiatrists can help people with lower limb aches and pains. She is also a qualified Business Coach and is passionate about being a female entrepreneur. She believes in empowering other young entrepreneurs to push forward and achieve their dreams.
How do you see your role as part of a Diabetes Care Team?
My role as part of a Diabetes Care Team is deeply rooted in my passion for podiatry and helping individuals manage their lower limb health, especially in the context of diabetes.
My primary focus lies in addressing a spectrum of lower limb problems, ranging from common issues like ingrown toenails to more complex concerns associated with diabetes. I have a particular interest in Lower Limb Management in Diabetes, recognizing the unique challenges that individuals with diabetes face concerning their foot health.
Being part of a Diabetes Care Team means collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. I conduct regular foot assessments for people with diabetes, aiming to catch potential issues early and implement preventive measures. By working alongside endocrinologists, dietitians, and primary care physicians, we create a unified approach to diabetes care.
Education is a key aspect of my role. I’m passionate about leveraging social media platforms to share insights on podiatry, foot care in diabetes, and overall lower limb health. I believe informed clients are empowered clients, and I strive to ensure that individuals managing diabetes understand the importance of regular check-ups and proper foot care practices.
In essence, my role goes beyond the clinic walls. It’s about making a meaningful impact on the lives of those managing diabetes, fostering awareness, and empowering individuals to take control of their lower limb health. Together with the Diabetes Care Team, we strive for comprehensive and compassionate care that extends beyond the immediate medical concerns to encompass the overall well-being of our clients.
Why is it important to include you in the Diabetes Care Team?
The inclusion of podiatrists in the Diabetes Care Team is paramount for a comprehensive approach to diabetes management. Specializing in foot health, podiatrists bring crucial skills to identify early signs of complications such as neuropathy and poor circulation, mitigating the risk of foot ulcers and infections that can lead to amputations. Their expertise in foot care is essential for addressing the specific challenges faced by individuals with diabetes, ensuring timely interventions and promoting preventative measures. Podiatrists collaborate seamlessly with other healthcare professionals in the Diabetes Care Team, contributing to a multidisciplinary approach that addresses the complexities of diabetes. Through client education, early detection, and specialized interventions, podiatrists play a pivotal role in improving the overall quality of life for individuals living with and self-managing diabetes, fostering mobility, and reducing the physical and emotional burdens associated with foot complications.
Your number 1 tip for a person living with Diabetes?
My top recommendation is to prioritize meticulous foot care as an integral part of your daily routine. Inspect your feet daily for any signs of cuts, blisters, or changes in skin colour and temperature. Diabetes, especially when not manage optimally, can affect nerve sensation and blood circulation in the feet, making them susceptible to complications. Ensure you wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes to prevent pressure points and potential injuries. Regular visits to a podiatrist for foot assessments and professional care are crucial in maintaining optimal foot health. By staying vigilant and proactive in caring for your feet, you significantly reduce the risk of diabetes-related foot problems and contribute to an overall healthier lifestyle. Always collaborate closely with your healthcare team, including your podiatrist, to create a personalized foot care plan tailored to your specific needs.
Where can we find you?
Ladysmith: 2 Residency Road, Suite 5, Ladysmith, KZN, 3370
Estcourt: Estcourt Medical Center 126/130 Connor Street, Estcourt, KZN, 3310
Newcastle: Hospital Office Park, Suite 2, Corner of Hospital and Jordan Streets, Newcastle 2940
My contact number:084 019 8529
Website: https://www.alishathepodiatrist.co.za/
My social media platforms: @alishathepodiatrist (Instagram | TikTok | Facebook and YouTube).
Podiatry is another profession that I did not realize needs to be part of my team. We are so focused on only seeing the medical specialist when something is already wrong, instead of visiting once a year to do a screening to prevent complications.
I had a conversation with a podiatrist at the CDE Forum in October, and she almost fell on her back when she heard I have never seen a podiatrist. Her simple advice was ‘Go see your podiatrist.’ The urgency also arises due to three of my toes having a ‘funny feeling.’ Prevention is key!
Thank you, Alisha, for your passion and valuable insights!
Continue the diabetes care and advocacy conversation with ‘not ARTIFICIALLY Sweetened’, a FREE weekly CDE Academy podcast, providing unfiltered reflections on all thing’s diabetes. These podcasts, aimed at both people with diabetes and the health professionals that facilitate their care, offer a free weekly knowledge, attitudes, skills and insight update. Join specialist physician Dr Stan Landau, and diabetes specialist nurse, Michael Brown in building bridges of shared insights between all people touched by diabetes. Now available on Spotify with listeners in 29 countries! If you see value in this podcast, we would appreciate you sharing either of the two image-based adverts attached with any health professional, or person with diabetes you know. If you have any questions, suggestions, comments or contributions for future episodes, please email Stan and Michael @ Podcast@CDEDiabetes.co.za
E xx
The Travellingmind 