November is Diabetes Awareness month and it’s a time for diabetic patients and their families to know what their A1C number is and to be aware of how to manage this disease.  The recent CDC statistics show that 34.2 million people, or 10.5% of the U.S. population have diabetes.  Approximately 7.3 million people have diabetes but have not been diagnosed. Diabetes impacts all social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. 

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

When you have diabetes, your feet can be affected and it’s important to check them every day.  Having diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

Here are 3 ways on why it’s important to care for your feet if you have diabetes. 

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.

• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Wounds on the feet may be common for patients who are diabetic.  This may be a result of decreased sensitivity in the feet that can come from neuropathy. It may be difficult to feel if there are any cuts or scrapes on the feet, and this can possibly cause extreme danger to the health of the foot. If any existing wounds become infected, they can progress to a foot ulcer. If it is left untreated, it may lead to amputation. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to reduce the possibility of an infection. These can include properly trimming the toenails, and performing a daily foot check to look for cuts or blisters. If you are diabetic, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage your diabetic condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers.  It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you or someone you know have diabetes, making sure to have a Podiatrist on your team is important for overall health management.  Consider making an appointment with Dr. Margaret Withrow or Dr. Dylan Kaumaya with Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria, Arizona.  We want to be a part of your diabetic team and ensure your feet are healthy.