Recognize the Signs of Diabetes
At NY Foot Health, we want our patients to understand the importance of managing diabetes and your feet. November is American Diabetes Month and a good time to talk about this disease, affecting over 34 million people in our country.
Patients with diabetes have difficulty making and/or properly using insulin. Diabetes is associated with elevated blood sugar levels, which over time can lead to serious damage to your heart, eyes, kidneys, and feet. The good news is there are many ways to manage, and in some cases, even reverse blood sugar problems.
Early detection of diabetes or pre-diabetes is important in successfully treating this disease. Below are some symptoms and warning signs of diabetes:
Swelling of the feet or ankles
Numbness or decreased sensation in your toes or feet
Changes in skin color
Leg pain
Open sores or wound on your feet that are extremely slow to heal
Very dry, cracked skin—especially around the heels
Bleeding corns and calluses
Regular appointments with the podiatrist can help reduce your risk of diabetic complications and other foot health conditions. If you are concerned about diabetes and your feet, contact your podiatrist. (If you need to locate a podiatrist in your area, use our online directory.) The podiatrist can help you learn if you’re of risk for developing diabetes by identifying factors that elevate your chances of getting the disease. He or she can also evaluate any symptoms you may have. If you have diabetes, including your podiatrist on your diabetes care team can reduce your risk of some of the most serious diabetic complications significantly. Studies show regular podiatric care can reduce the risk of lower limb amputation by up to 85% and the need for hospitalizations by 24%.
To learn more about diabetes and other foot health problems, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.