The number of people living with diabetes is on the rise in our country, with millions of cases undiagnosed. Because of that, awareness is vital to the prevention and management of this debilitating disease. Diabetes impacts all organs of the body, but the effects on the feet make this disease toe-tally worse!

Consistently high blood sugars circulating throughout the body can cause changes to the skin, nails and blood flow, and can decrease sensation in the feet, causing patients to be more susceptible to diabetic foot ulcers, infections and deformities. Some of the most common foot deformities include bunions, hammertoes, and Charcot Neuroarthropathy. The combination of abnormal foot structure, nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), and a decreased ability to heal due to high blood sugars can cause infected ulcers, which may lead to amputation.

Fortunately, there is good news – all of the complications mentioned above can be prevented! It starts with properly managing your blood sugar and having a great healthcare team – endocrinologist, primary care physician, and podiatrist.    

Five tips that you can start today at home include:

• Inspect your feet daily.
• Never go barefoot.
• Make sure to check your blood sugar regularly.
• Make sure to wear shoe gear that fits appropriately.
• If you notice increased redness, pain or swelling to your feet, call your podiatrist immediately or report to the emergency room.

This entry was posted by Love and Science - 11/7/18