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Diabetes Month

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56

November 29 • 2018

jn

Podiatrists offer tips to diabetics
for keeping their feet healthy.

D

iabetes is steadily increasing in
the United States. According
to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) there
are an estimated 30.3 million cases in
the U.S. For people with diabetes, the
podiatrists of the Michigan Podiatric
Medical Association (MPMA) share
that taking care of their feet is especial-
ly vital.
More than 60 percent of all
non-traumatic lower-limb amputations
worldwide are related to complications
from the disease, according to the
American Diabetes Association.
Diabetes is the inability to manufac-
ture or properly use insulin, impairing
the body’s ability to regulate sugar
(glucose) levels that provide energy to
cells and tissues throughout the body.
Diabetes is associated with heart dis-
ease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure
and lower limb amputations.
“The leading cause of hospitalization
among people with diabetes is foot
ulcers and infections, but most of those
problems are largely preventable,”
says Jodie Sengstock, D.P.M., MPMA’s
director of professional relations. “It’s
important for those with the disease to
receive regular foot exams by a podi-
atrist.”
While there is no cure for diabetes,
there are many ways of managing it
and, in some cases, avoiding it. With
proper diet, exercise, medical care and
careful management at home, serious
complications can be avoided and a
person with diabetes may enjoy a full
and active life.
Podiatrists are physicians and sur-
geons specially trained to treat foot
conditions that can be caused by dia-
betes, such as neuropathy, infection,
ulcers, calluses and poor circulation.
Nerve damage that diabetes causes
may mean a person with an ulcer or
injury may be unaware of it until it
becomes infected. Infection can lead

to partial or full amputation of the
foot or lower leg. Regular care from a
podiatrist can reduce amputation rates
up to 80 percent, according to research
of the American Podiatric Medical
Association.
Persons with diabetes need to
inspect their feet daily and be vigilant
in looking for signs of ulcers, including
irritation, redness, cracked or dry skin
(especially around the heels) or drain-
age on their socks.
These foot health tips are recom-
mended:
• Discuss diabetes and the risks
with family members. Diabetes can be
hereditary, so talk to family members
about monitoring blood sugar and foot
health.
• Never go barefoot. Always protect
feet with the proper footwear and
make sure socks and shoes are com-
fortable and fit well.
• Trim toenails straight across, and
never cut the cuticles. Seek immediate
treatment for ingrown toenails, as they
can lead to serious infection.
• Never try to remove calluses, corns
or warts by yourself. Over-the-counter
products can burn the skin and cause
irreparable damage to the foot.
• Exercise. Walking can keep weight
down and improve circulation. Be
sure to wear appropriate athletic shoes.
• Keep feet elevated while sitting.
• Wear thick, soft socks. Avoid socks
with seams, which can rub and cause
blisters or other skin injuries.
• Have new shoes properly mea-
sured and fitted. Foot size and shape
often changes over time. Shoes that
fit properly should not rub or cause
irritation.
• Wiggle toes and move feet and
ankles up and down for five-minute
sessions throughout the day.
• Visit a podiatrist regularly — at
least two times per year — to avoid
unnecessary complications. ■