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Health & Fitness

AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH: Education and Support from the MPMA

AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH: Education and Support from the MPMA

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control. For years, the American Diabetes Association has used this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease and its serious complications. The Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) joins the ADA in spreading education about diabetes.

About 25.8 million* people in the U.S. have diabetes. The majority have been diagnosed, however, many are unaware they have diabetes.  Diabetes is a disease where the body does not produce or respond to insulin—a hormone that converts sugar, starches and other foods into energy the body requires.

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There are four types of diabetes: Types 1 and 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce any insulin. Approximately 10 percent of diabetics have this form that always requires injected insulin. Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. The third type is gestational diabetes, diabetes during pregnancy. And lastly, prediabetes, a condition in which individuals have blood glucose or AIC levels higher than normal with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

The cause for diabetes is unknown, although unhealthy lifestyles (lack of exercise, obesity, poor eating habits) have been proven to contribute to its onset.

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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 avoid the most serious complications and enjoy a full and active life. Podiatrists play a vital role in helping patients manage diabetes successfully and avoid foot-related complications.

Visit a Podiatrist**

Because diabetes is a disease affecting many parts of the body, successful management requires a team approach. A podiatrist is an integral part of the treatment team and has documented success in preventing amputations:

·         More than 65,000 lower limbs are amputated annually due to complications from diabetes.

·         After an amputation, the chance of another amputation within three to five years is as high as 50 percent.

·         Including a podiatrist in your diabetes care can reduce the risk of lower limb amputation up to 85 percent and lowers the risk of hospitalization by 24 percent.

The keys to amputation prevention are early recognition and regular foot screenings performed by a podiatrist, the foot and ankle expert.

Take Action

Individuals should visit a podiatrist for a Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam.  This simple, painless examination helps diagnose the onset of foot problems due to diabetes. 

Those with diabetes should follow these foot care tips:

·         Inspect feet daily. Check your feet and toes every day for cuts, bruises, sores, or changes to the toenails, such as thickening or discoloration.

·         Wear thick, soft socks. Avoid socks with seams, which could rub and cause blisters or other skin injuries.

·         Exercise. Walking can keep weight down and improve circulation. Be sure to wear appropriate athletic shoes when exercising.

·         Have new shoes properly measured and fitted. Foot size and shape may change over time. Shoes that fit properly are important to those with diabetes.

·         Don't go barefoot. Don't go without shoes, even in your own home. The risk of cuts and infection is too great for those with diabetes.

·         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 for people with diabetes.

·         Regular checkups by your podiatrist—at least annually—are the best way to ensure that your feet remain healthy.

For more foot health information and to find a local podiatrist, visit: www.MPMA.org 

The Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) is dedicated to serving and protecting the public's podiatric health and maintaining the highest standards of   ethical conduct among its members. The four main objectives of the organization are: to improve the quality of foot care; to promote the importance of foot health among the general public and health care professionals throughout the state; to increase awareness of the art and science of podiatric medicine and surgery; and to provide continuing medical education to podiatrists. www.mpma.org

* CDC, January 2011

**American Podiatric Medical Association, www.apma.org

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