A TEAM APPROACH TO DIABETES

Because diabetes is a systemic disease affecting many different parts of the body, the ideal case management requires a team approach. Your podiatric physician is an integral part of that team, and he or she can be one key to your health management.  Therefore, routine foot screenings by a podiatrist should be standard for all patients with diabetes and those at risk as well.

No one knows exactly how or why people develop diabetes, but once diagnosed, the disease is usually present for life. It is a hereditary disorder, and certain genetic indicators are known to increase the risk of developing the disease. What we do know for sure is that the incidence of diabetes in the U.S. is increasing at a staggering rate. We also know that some populations, including African-Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans, are at higher risk for the disease.

Of all the risk factors, weight is the most important, with more than 80 percent of people with diabetes classified as overweight or obese. If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, there are a few things you can do to prevent further complications from your disease:

• Wash and carefully dry your feet daily

• Inspect feet and toes daily

• Establish a healthy weight loss plan if you are overweight

• Wear socks designed specifically for diabetic patients

• Stop smoking

• Exercise

• See your podiatrist regularly for all foot care issues

• Never try to remove calluses, corns, or warts by yourself

• Don’t go barefoot

• Don’t drink alcohol in excess

• Wear properly measured and fitted shoes.

While there is no cure for diabetes, there is hope. With proper diet, exercise, medical care, and careful management at home, a person with diabetes can keep the most serious consequences of the disease at bay and enjoy a long, full life. Working with all your doctors together will ensure that your health and well-being are in good hands. Your podiatric physician is an integral part of your healthcare team; make sure to make time to visit your podiatrist on a regular basis if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.

For further information about foot or ankle conditions, contact one of our foot and ankle surgeons at the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC.  Visit us on the web at www.rfainstitute.comor make an appointment with one of our state of the art offices in Maryland:

Hagerstown 301.797.8554, 1150 Professional Court, Suite C, 21740

Frederick 301.418.6014, 2100 Old Farm Drive, Suite D, 21702