The Importance of Diabetic Footcare
One of the most serious conditions a podiatrist has to contend with is diabetes. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar or glucose levels are too high. Diabetes can cause nerve damage that in some cases, can lead to amputation. It is estimated that 100 million Americans suffer from diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Unusual thirst – the need for fluid
- Unusual hunger – the constant need for food
- Frequent urination – use of bathroom more than usual
- Unusual weight loss – unexplained
- Exhaustion – tiredness
- Moodiness – depression
- Blurred vision – lack of focus
- Sores – take a long time to heal
There are 3 types of diabetes. They are:
- Type 1 diabetes – Requires the use of insulin. Insulin helps break down sugar to be used by the body as energy. The body doesn’t produce insulin
- Type 2 diabetes – lower amounts of insulin still produced by the body
- Gestational diabetes – often developed during pregnancy
Risk factors for diabetes include:
- Obesity – excessive weight
- High cholesterol – Having low levels of good – LDL -cholesterol
- Age – the older the person, the more likely you are to develop diabetes
- Race – more often found in blacks, Hispanics, Asian and Native Americans
- Genetics – can be passed from family members
- High blood pressure – Above 140/90 can develop diabetes
- Lack of exercise – sedentary lifestyle
Ways to treat diabetes include frequent inspections of your feet for cuts and bruises and infections, a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein and exercise. Diabetes can cause something called neuropathy or damaged nerves, which can lead to infection. Other complications can include blindness, loss of a limb, kidney damage, heart disease, skin irritations, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.
The good news about diabetes is that it is a treatable condition if you catch it early and follow the doctor’s orders. If you believe you have, are developing diabetes, or have any other concerns about your feet, schedule an appointment with Clark Podiatry Center to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon A. Macy. He can assess your feet to ensure that you keep your feet healthy. Visit us at our Clark, New Jersey office today!
