Dr Jennifer Andrews

Research Fellow

Podiatrist and Lecturer

Dr Jennifer Andrews is a Podiatrist, Research Fellow, and Lecturer at the University of Salford. Jen’s specialist area is the soft tissues in the foot in age and diabetes and the technology used to assess these (PhD completed 2023), she also leads the Podiatry Research and Innovation Hub which facilitates research between the University and industry partners.

Jen is Chair of the Manchester Branch of the Royal College of Podiatry and a member of both the Research, Development and Innovation Committee and the Specialist Advisory Group for Dermatology at the Royal College of Podiatry.

Outside of work, Jen plays and referees Rugby Union in Trafford, Manchester.

Skin Barrier Dysfunction and Ulceration in Diabetes

This talk explores how diabetes disrupts the skin’s natural barrier function and sets the stage for chronic ulceration. We’ll examine the biological mechanisms that weaken the epidermal barrier, including neuropathy, microvascular impairment, immune dysfunction, and changes in skin hydration and microbiota.

This session highlights why early recognition and targeted intervention are essential and attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to assess skin integrity in people with diabetes and how proactive management can reduce the risk of ulceration and its complications.