Three Actions You Can Take to Address Diabetic Foot Care

Prediabetes, often a precursor to being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, is a condition with concerningly high blood sugar levels that affects 4.1 million adults. Because of this staggering number of cases, proper diabetic foot care is paramount for a large number of people. Finding the right foot care specialist to help treat the symptoms of diabetes-related afflictions and administer proper diabetic foot care is a top priority. Not every patient with pre-diabetes will progress to Type 2 Diabetes, but the conversion rate is high. Here are three things you can do to address the issue of diabetic foot care.

Address the Pre-Diabetes Issue

According to the American Association of Diabetes Educators, more than 33% of the adult population in the United States is afflicted with pre-diabetes. Diabetes is detrimental to the health of one’s feet in particular. Even a small abrasion can produce serious complications. Diabetes-related issues can lead to a loss of feeling in the foot area, as well as the restriction of blood flow. Foot and ankle conditions of any type usually require attention, lest the problem becomes worse, leading to a decreased quality of life. Those with pre-diabetes may experience a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which can cause loss of sensation or numbness in the feet. As with any diabetic condition, the more quickly the problem is addressed, the greater the chance of recovery.

Consult with a Foot Care Specialist

If you feel you may have some of the symptoms of pre-diabetes, such as increased thirst, extreme hunger, fatigue or urinary problems, follow up with your primary physician. Factors such as obesity, hypertension and general inactivity are risks that, when spotted, can be managed by preventative measures and medication. After your diagnosis, your physician may recommend a consultation with a foot care specialist, also known as a podiatrist. Specialists at a quality foot and ankle center can identify and recognize key signs that, if left untreated, can lead to a more serious condition. Seeking the advice of a podiatrist will ease your mind but more importantly, outline your next steps and set the course for future treatment.

Practice Self-Diabetic Foot Care and Regular Foot Inspection

Self-care and proactive measures taken by those with diabetic conditions, along with diabetic foot care from a specialist, isn't a complicated process. Regular inspection of feet to discover any cuts or new areas of swelling is always advised. Foot pain complaints are common and typically associated with joint pain from other areas of the body. For diabetic sufferers, any wounds that appear on the feet could put them at a higher risk for amputation as a result of infection. Proper footwear, lukewarm baths and proper moisturizing are self-care methods that can be implemented to ensure optimal foot health.

Using caution when dealing with any potential diabetes-related conditions is the recommended course of action. If you are one of the millions who suffer from pre-diabetes, implementing these necessary lifestyle changes and following up with a podiatrist can drastically improve overall health. For example, your diagnosis makes you susceptible to peripheral neuropathy, which includes muscle weakness, increased sensitivity and sharp pain. Should you begin to feel these conditions, visiting the Dynamic Foot & Ankle Center to discuss diabetic foot care options can greatly aid your recovery and restore your well-being.