Hidden Diabetes Risk for Asian Americans
November is American Diabetes Month, and at NY Foot Health, this is a disease we are particularly concerned about because of how it can cause harm to your feet. Patients with diabetes often have poor circulation and peripheral neuropathy as well, and this is a dangerous combination. Neuropathy makes it more difficult to detect injuries and irritations on your feet in a timely manner because you may not experience pain sensations. Poor circulation slows healing. This means a greater risk for infections and even amputations.
Researchers have found that Asian Americans, particularly Asian women are at higher risk for diabetes than many other ethnic groups and yet may be unaware of that risk. Nationwide, the number of people with diabetes is one in five, but among Asian Americans that number is one in three. One potential reason that more Asian Americans are not getting diagnosed promptly with diabetes has to do with body types. Being overweight is a risk factor for diabetes. Many Asian Americans are not overweight but still diabetic. How come? People of Asian descent may have a higher ratio of fat to muscle in their bodies than other people. That fat tends to be visceral fat which is stored around your organs internally and therefore not visible from the outside. This means if you are Asian American you may be at higher risk for developing diabetes at a younger age and lower body weight.
Take Preventive Action
Fortunately, there are ways for Asian Americans and everybody to reduce their chances of getting diabetes. These include:
Check your feet daily. Look for any changes, even seemingly insignificant ones such as loss of hair on your toes, growths and skin discoloration. Report anything unusual to your podiatrist promptly. If you don’t currently have a foot doctor, you can find one in your community through our online directory.
Keep feet covered. If you typically remove your shoes when you come home, put on slippers or “house shoes” to protect your feet from injury.
Don’t rely on home remedies. Many of these are ineffective and may actually harm your feet. Always consult a podiatrist for proper podiatric care.
Make healthy lifestyle choices. Reduce your intake of sugars, high fat, and processed foods. Exercise regularly and don’t smoke.
Simple changes can go a long way to preventing diabetes. If you have more questions about diabetes and your feet, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.