3 Great Reasons Diabetics Should Regularly See A Podiatrist

The Mayo Clinic, among other world-renowned health institutions consider diabetes to be an epidemic in America. Not only has diabetes mellitus been proven to shorten an individual’s life, but it also decreases quality of life due to the vast array of complications associated with this chronic disease. What many people who suffer from diabetes don’t realize is that lower extremity care is one of the most important entities of the disease management process. To concisely, and adequately emphasize this thought consider the following 3 facts;

1.  Up to 25% of those with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer.

-Singh, Armstrong, Lipsky.  J Amer Med Assoc 2005

2. People with a history of a diabetic foot ulcers have a 40% greater 10 year mortality than people with diabetes alone.

-Iversen, et al, Diabetes Care 32:2193-2199, 2009

3. Each $1 invested in care by a podiatrist for people with diabetes results in $27 to $51 of healthcare savings.

-JAPMA, 101(2), 2011

Diabetes affects 26 million people in the US and more than 366 million people worldwide. Additionally, diabetes kills more people in the US every year than AIDS and breast cancer combined. The people suffering from it need to understand the importance of receiving proper treatment, and from whom; to have a better outcome. The aforementioned facts clearly demonstrate the importance of proactive care in the disease management and prevention process of diabetes.

Other sources: American Diabetes association

**This blog, and the medical information it presents is made possible by Dr. Michael Garvin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. He has been practicing board certified podiatry for over 20 years, and accepts new patients. Visit his website for additional information here. To schedule an appointment, or find directions to his office click here.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy is a diseased state of the nerves in the peripheral nervous system; as commonly seen in the extremities of patients suffering from Diabetes Mellitus types 1 and 2. Peripheral neuropathy is not always caused by diabetes, and in fact can be caused by a variety of other factors such as autoimmune disorders (Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus), chronic kidney disease, HIV infections, low levels of vitamin B12, an underactive thyroid gland, and many different pharmaceutical drug classes. Peripheral neuropathy is often associated with diabetics though due to the rapidly increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the United States. Diabetes is a blood sugar disorder that can compromise the vascular health of the body, and predominantly in the feet, eyes and kidneys. Over time if the disease is not properly treated and monitored, one of the ways it manifests is through peripheral neuropathy. Just like all tissues of the body, the nerves also need adequate blood supply. When the peripheral nerves blood supply becomes poor due to diabetes, the nerves become damage and diseased.

The signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy often start with a tingling, itching and burning sensation in the feet and legs. If left untreated peripheral neuropathy progresses and eventually will result in total loss of feeling in the areas affected. This loss of sensation in the feet and legs can cause abnormalities in an individuals gait, muscle weakness, dermatological issues, and a whole host of other serious issues. If any of these symptoms describe something you’re currently experiencing, or would like to know more about please visit Dr. Michael Garvin’s website for more information. He is a practicing Podiatrist in the Port Saint Lucie, Florida area.

 
 **This graphic illustrates the differences in vascularity of a treated diabetic foot, and a non-treated diabetic foot