Diabetic Care

Lifestyle changes...

A diagnosis of diabetes in this day and age does not have to be the dreadful prediction that it once was. In fact, most diabetic patients with proper care, can and do live full and productive lives but with a few basic changes. They must learn to understand the nature of the disease, to appreciate the need to recognize potential problems, and to assume responsibility for obtaining professional care and following the prescribed advice. There are no legitimate short cuts to these lifestyle changes as they are essential for one's health.

The reasons for complications...

A frequently raised question by many patients is why are diabetics more prone to develop foot problems? Reason one is that diabetics frequently have various degrees of nerve damage, which may be evident as areas of numbness, tingling, or burning. This abnormal level of nerve sensation can mask pain or discomfort. In other words, the diabetic can readily become injured without actually feeling the area involved. A second reason is that diabetes frequently involves changes in one's vascular circulation, which result in impaired healing. The third reason is that there is often an impaired immune system in these patients, which reduces their ability to fight infections. As one would guess, we encounter a higher number of foot infections in diabetics as compared to the rest of the population.

Preventive foot care is the key...

As a diabetic, the following tips should be a part of the daily lifestyle:

• Inspect the feet everyday for skin defects or infections.
• Dry the feet daily after bathing by blotting and not rubbing to reduce skin irritations.
• Keep the feet warm at all times.
• Apply a good moisturizer on a daily basis to treat dry skin.
• Make sure that the shoes are well fitted. Avoid exposing the feet to extreme water temperatures.
• Avoid barefoot walking to reduce the possibility of injury.
• Do not treat your own feet. Seek professional care on a periodic basis.
• Do not wear open-toed shoes.
• Wear soft socks with no seams.

For further information, please contact our office.
(843) 895-2140