People with diabetic foot problems can lower their risk of leg amputation by relying on coordinated care that includes a podiatrist, according to a recent study. For instance, those with diabetes-related foot ulcers can reduce their risk of amputation by 31 percent. In a study published online in the journal Health Services Research, researcher Frank Sloan, Ph.D., and colleagues looked at six years of Medicare claims data on nearly 190,000 diabetic patients with foot problems. The study included about 118,000 patients diagnosed as stage one, about 32,000 in stage two, 31,000 in stage three, and 55,000 in stage four (some participants experienced more than one stage).
“This study shows that coordinated care substantially reduces amputation rates,” said David Armstrong, DPM, a podiatrist and co-founder of the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance. “We already knew that when care teams are developed to prevent amputation, in every case, we see success. The study documents that this is true across the country.” Armstrong has no affiliation with the study.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Barefoot Running
Have you seen the alien shoes spotted on celebrities recently? Matthew McConaughey and girlfriend Camila Alves wear them to work out, actor Channing Tatum runs in them, and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George sports them for beach football.
Just what are these funky, rubber glove toe socks? They’re Vibram FiveFingers—shoes that are meant to mimic the experience of running without shoes, yet protect your feet from dirt and debris. Why would people want to run without their cushy trainers? Running without shoes can strengthen your feet, ankles, and lower legs and improve balance. Some say modern running shoes are to blame for injuries. And one man wrote an immensely popular book that concluded as much.
The 10 laws of injury prevention
Vibram started making the five-toed shoes in 2006, but the trend really picked up steam last year, following the publication of Christopher McDougall's book “Born to Run.” The book describes how Mexico’s Tarahumara Indians have become some of the greatest long-distance runners in the world despite running barefoot or in sandals fashioned from tire rubber. McDougall chronicles an ultramarathon race in Mexico’s Copper Canyons attended by a group of Americans including “Barefoot Ted” McDonald, who either ran sans shoes or in FiveFingers, in case of sharp rocks. The author argues that we’d be better off without the souped-up shoes marketed to us by giants like Nike and Adidas, which he says have done nothing to prevent injuries. The book made “The New York Times” bestseller list, and now TMZ is photographing celebrities in their very own lizard shoes.
According to CNN, the FiveFingers have become so popular that the company is having a hard time keeping them in stock—and stopping counterfeiters from selling knock-offs online.
Your ultimate guide to fall running shoes
Some barefoot devotees simply like the sensation of feeling the surface they’re running on while others swear up and down that ditching traditional running shoes has helped them prevent injuries. While there’s no scientific evidence to support the latter claim, we do know that running barefoot or in barefoot-style shoes like the FiveFingers or Nike Free changes one’s running mechanics. When runners aren’t wearing shoes with built-up soles, they tend to land in the middle or toward the front of their feet rather than on their heel and researchers believe that such midfoot or forefoot striking results in less impact on the body. But as Susan Paul, M.S., exercise physiologist and program director for the Orlando Track Shack Foundation says, “To date, there are no studies indicating that running shoes contribute to injury or, conversely, that barefoot running reduces injury or makes you run faster.”
The mechanics of barefoot running
If you’re thinking about shedding your shoes, consider these guidelines:
1. Barefoot training is not for people who are just starting to run or returning from a long layoff—it’s something to slowly incorporate into an existing running regimen.
2. If you have persistent or serious foot problems, consult your podiatrist first.
3. Ease in slowly. Paul advises starting with a few minutes on a flat, relatively forgiving surface once a week. Grassy fields, smooth roads, and soft trails qualify. Running on sand might be tempting, but barefooting newbies should stick to wet sand at first as the unstable soft stuff puts a lot of torque on your joints and is much harder to run on.
4. Listen to your body. “Barefoot Ken Bob” Saxton, founder of runningbarefoot.org and finisher of more than 70 barefoot marathons, says, “Luckily, your feet are sensitive, which is a good thing. Listen to them and they'll keep you from doing something stupid.”
Has anyone run barefoot or in minimalist shoes like Vibrams? What did you think? If not, would you ever try it? Why or why not?
A head-to-heel guide to running
Susan Rinkunas is an associate editor at Runner’s World, a magazine (and website) that informs, advises, and motivates runners of all ages and abilities—and we mean it. Her blog on Yahoo! Shine offers tips on running technique, nutrition and weight loss, shoes and apparel, and balancing fitness and life.
Just what are these funky, rubber glove toe socks? They’re Vibram FiveFingers—shoes that are meant to mimic the experience of running without shoes, yet protect your feet from dirt and debris. Why would people want to run without their cushy trainers? Running without shoes can strengthen your feet, ankles, and lower legs and improve balance. Some say modern running shoes are to blame for injuries. And one man wrote an immensely popular book that concluded as much.
The 10 laws of injury prevention
Vibram started making the five-toed shoes in 2006, but the trend really picked up steam last year, following the publication of Christopher McDougall's book “Born to Run.” The book describes how Mexico’s Tarahumara Indians have become some of the greatest long-distance runners in the world despite running barefoot or in sandals fashioned from tire rubber. McDougall chronicles an ultramarathon race in Mexico’s Copper Canyons attended by a group of Americans including “Barefoot Ted” McDonald, who either ran sans shoes or in FiveFingers, in case of sharp rocks. The author argues that we’d be better off without the souped-up shoes marketed to us by giants like Nike and Adidas, which he says have done nothing to prevent injuries. The book made “The New York Times” bestseller list, and now TMZ is photographing celebrities in their very own lizard shoes.
According to CNN, the FiveFingers have become so popular that the company is having a hard time keeping them in stock—and stopping counterfeiters from selling knock-offs online.
Your ultimate guide to fall running shoes
Some barefoot devotees simply like the sensation of feeling the surface they’re running on while others swear up and down that ditching traditional running shoes has helped them prevent injuries. While there’s no scientific evidence to support the latter claim, we do know that running barefoot or in barefoot-style shoes like the FiveFingers or Nike Free changes one’s running mechanics. When runners aren’t wearing shoes with built-up soles, they tend to land in the middle or toward the front of their feet rather than on their heel and researchers believe that such midfoot or forefoot striking results in less impact on the body. But as Susan Paul, M.S., exercise physiologist and program director for the Orlando Track Shack Foundation says, “To date, there are no studies indicating that running shoes contribute to injury or, conversely, that barefoot running reduces injury or makes you run faster.”
The mechanics of barefoot running
If you’re thinking about shedding your shoes, consider these guidelines:
1. Barefoot training is not for people who are just starting to run or returning from a long layoff—it’s something to slowly incorporate into an existing running regimen.
2. If you have persistent or serious foot problems, consult your podiatrist first.
3. Ease in slowly. Paul advises starting with a few minutes on a flat, relatively forgiving surface once a week. Grassy fields, smooth roads, and soft trails qualify. Running on sand might be tempting, but barefooting newbies should stick to wet sand at first as the unstable soft stuff puts a lot of torque on your joints and is much harder to run on.
4. Listen to your body. “Barefoot Ken Bob” Saxton, founder of runningbarefoot.org and finisher of more than 70 barefoot marathons, says, “Luckily, your feet are sensitive, which is a good thing. Listen to them and they'll keep you from doing something stupid.”
Has anyone run barefoot or in minimalist shoes like Vibrams? What did you think? If not, would you ever try it? Why or why not?
A head-to-heel guide to running
Susan Rinkunas is an associate editor at Runner’s World, a magazine (and website) that informs, advises, and motivates runners of all ages and abilities—and we mean it. Her blog on Yahoo! Shine offers tips on running technique, nutrition and weight loss, shoes and apparel, and balancing fitness and life.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Yao Ming is contemplating retirement
'Twas less than a week ago that the Houston Rockets introduced Brad Miller(notes) and his camouflage shorts as the newest member of their team. We applauded the great fit, and not just because of the abundant hunting opportunities. Not only would Miller be playing in a system that values his skills — passing, perimeter shooting, other things that start with "P" — but he'd also be stepping into a low-pressure situation where he could excel in limited minutes. It was all good, baby bay-bay.
However, it turns out we might be seeing a lot more of Brad Miller in the next few years. Because not only is Yao Ming(notes) unsure about how he will perform this coming season, he's also contemplating ending his career if his foot doesn't heal right. From the Associated Press:
In comments to Chinese state media Monday, Yao sounded far from optimistic about his future and also made a rare criticism of China's national basketball program.
"If the foot injury does not heal next season, I might choose to call it quits," he said. [...]
Yao, who has been in China to promote some of his charity events, all but ruled out playing in the 2012 London Olympics.
"The chance is very small," the 7-6 center was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua News Agency. "The foot injury will not allow me to play so many games anymore. Like I said before, I will quit the national team and the sport one day. It's what happens to every athlete."
Leave it to Yao Ming to be completely OK with his impending basketball mortality even though it's five years too early. It seems like just yesterday that Yao was sporting the pinstriped Rockets uniforms made famous by Matt Maloney, and now he's all but telling us he's almost done with the NBA. Somebody grab me some tissues.
Of course, there is a chance that Yao's foot will be fine this season. Zydrunas Ilgauskas(notes) went through a similar injury and surgery early in his career, and has played eight seasons since then. He was 23 when he broke his foot, which makes healing a lot easier than recovering from the same injury at 30.
I guess all we can do now is hope that Yao's foot turns out to be no big deal. Well, size 18 kicks are pretty large, but I meant "big" in a metaphorical sense. At the very least, the Rockets have the most enjoyable center ever signed for the next four years. It'd be tough to lose Yao, but those next three years would be filled with so many hearty laughs.
However, it turns out we might be seeing a lot more of Brad Miller in the next few years. Because not only is Yao Ming(notes) unsure about how he will perform this coming season, he's also contemplating ending his career if his foot doesn't heal right. From the Associated Press:
In comments to Chinese state media Monday, Yao sounded far from optimistic about his future and also made a rare criticism of China's national basketball program.
"If the foot injury does not heal next season, I might choose to call it quits," he said. [...]
Yao, who has been in China to promote some of his charity events, all but ruled out playing in the 2012 London Olympics.
"The chance is very small," the 7-6 center was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua News Agency. "The foot injury will not allow me to play so many games anymore. Like I said before, I will quit the national team and the sport one day. It's what happens to every athlete."
Leave it to Yao Ming to be completely OK with his impending basketball mortality even though it's five years too early. It seems like just yesterday that Yao was sporting the pinstriped Rockets uniforms made famous by Matt Maloney, and now he's all but telling us he's almost done with the NBA. Somebody grab me some tissues.
Of course, there is a chance that Yao's foot will be fine this season. Zydrunas Ilgauskas(notes) went through a similar injury and surgery early in his career, and has played eight seasons since then. He was 23 when he broke his foot, which makes healing a lot easier than recovering from the same injury at 30.
I guess all we can do now is hope that Yao's foot turns out to be no big deal. Well, size 18 kicks are pretty large, but I meant "big" in a metaphorical sense. At the very least, the Rockets have the most enjoyable center ever signed for the next four years. It'd be tough to lose Yao, but those next three years would be filled with so many hearty laughs.
You Can Help Children Avoid Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is affecting kids in a big way, but diet and exercise can help children avoid or reverse this condition.
By Madeline Vann, MPH
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
Once upon a time, type 2 diabetes was called “adult-onset diabetes.” If children had diabetes, 99 times out of 100 it was type 1 diabetes; type 2 diabetes didn’t appear until midlife. Now, studies suggest that up to 45 percent of childhood diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes: Why the Increase?
“No one is certain why, but most experts believe that it is related in part to the obesity epidemic,” explains Frank Diamond, MD, clinical director for the University of South Florida Diabetes Center and professor of pediatrics at the University of South Florida in Tampa. “We now have approximately 17 percent of the pediatric population that is overweight. Genetically at-risk children may be acquiring the disease earlier because of the increased insulin resistance associated with their early obesity. We are seeing many children with adult weights in our pediatric clinics today.”
Dr. Diamond also notes that the increase may be due to a rise in the proportion of children with ethnic minority heritage that puts them at increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
Basically, says Paul Robertson, MD, president of medicine and science at the American Diabetes Association, and professor of medicine and pharmacology at the University of Washington in Seattle, the causes of childhood type 2 diabetes boil down to genetic risk mixed with physical inactivity and poor eating habits.
“We know if the diets are corrected and they lose the weight, the diabetes becomes undetectable,” says Dr. Robertson.
The first step to preventing type 2 diabetes in childhood is to face the fact that it can happen to children, says Diamond. Then be on guard for symptoms and ask for diabetes screening.
“Symptoms include tiring easily, thirst, and increased urination. A darkening of the skin (acanthosis nigricans) on the back of the neck, under the arms, and in the groin area is associated with obesity and [is] a common finding with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes children,” he says.
Also, bear in mind that if you had gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, your children are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
“Especially in families with a positive family history of type 2 diabetes, avoidance of excessive weight gain and encouragement of an active lifestyle are extremely important and the best tools to avoid the development of type 2 diabetes,” says Diamond. Some children may be candidates for a drug called metformin.
Type 2 Diabetes: Testing
Parents who are concerned that their child might have diabetes should ask for a fasting glucose screening test. That test determines how much sugar is in the blood before a person has eaten.
“A value over 99 mg/dL is abnormal and suggests ‘impending’ diabetes or glucose intolerance. A value equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL is diagnostic of diabetes,” says Diamond.
Any results above the normal range should be red flags for you and your family to:
• Eat a healthy diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and veggies. You can get help changing your family’s diet from a dietitian, if necessary.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.
• Help your child lose at least 5 percent of his body weight if he is overweight.
Remember, childhood type 2 diabetes is within your family’s control.
“Lose weight, be active, eat the right foods,” says Robertson. “Lifestyle modifications can do a great deal in terms of staving off type 2 diabetes.”
By Madeline Vann, MPH
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
Once upon a time, type 2 diabetes was called “adult-onset diabetes.” If children had diabetes, 99 times out of 100 it was type 1 diabetes; type 2 diabetes didn’t appear until midlife. Now, studies suggest that up to 45 percent of childhood diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes: Why the Increase?
“No one is certain why, but most experts believe that it is related in part to the obesity epidemic,” explains Frank Diamond, MD, clinical director for the University of South Florida Diabetes Center and professor of pediatrics at the University of South Florida in Tampa. “We now have approximately 17 percent of the pediatric population that is overweight. Genetically at-risk children may be acquiring the disease earlier because of the increased insulin resistance associated with their early obesity. We are seeing many children with adult weights in our pediatric clinics today.”
Dr. Diamond also notes that the increase may be due to a rise in the proportion of children with ethnic minority heritage that puts them at increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
Basically, says Paul Robertson, MD, president of medicine and science at the American Diabetes Association, and professor of medicine and pharmacology at the University of Washington in Seattle, the causes of childhood type 2 diabetes boil down to genetic risk mixed with physical inactivity and poor eating habits.
“We know if the diets are corrected and they lose the weight, the diabetes becomes undetectable,” says Dr. Robertson.
The first step to preventing type 2 diabetes in childhood is to face the fact that it can happen to children, says Diamond. Then be on guard for symptoms and ask for diabetes screening.
“Symptoms include tiring easily, thirst, and increased urination. A darkening of the skin (acanthosis nigricans) on the back of the neck, under the arms, and in the groin area is associated with obesity and [is] a common finding with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes children,” he says.
Also, bear in mind that if you had gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, your children are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
“Especially in families with a positive family history of type 2 diabetes, avoidance of excessive weight gain and encouragement of an active lifestyle are extremely important and the best tools to avoid the development of type 2 diabetes,” says Diamond. Some children may be candidates for a drug called metformin.
Type 2 Diabetes: Testing
Parents who are concerned that their child might have diabetes should ask for a fasting glucose screening test. That test determines how much sugar is in the blood before a person has eaten.
“A value over 99 mg/dL is abnormal and suggests ‘impending’ diabetes or glucose intolerance. A value equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL is diagnostic of diabetes,” says Diamond.
Any results above the normal range should be red flags for you and your family to:
• Eat a healthy diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and veggies. You can get help changing your family’s diet from a dietitian, if necessary.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.
• Help your child lose at least 5 percent of his body weight if he is overweight.
Remember, childhood type 2 diabetes is within your family’s control.
“Lose weight, be active, eat the right foods,” says Robertson. “Lifestyle modifications can do a great deal in terms of staving off type 2 diabetes.”
Friday, August 20, 2010
Vascular Testing: An Important Step in Preventing Amputation in Diabetics and Others with Poor Circulation
Adequate circulation to the lower legs and feet is a key factor in avoiding amputations to these areas. Current medical research shows that non-invasive vascular testing greatly increases the accuracy of diagnosing early arterial disease (a.k.a. peripheral vascular disease or PVD).
In the past, early arterial disease was detected simply by “feeling” the pulses of the arteries to the feet and legs. Studies show that up to 1/3 of patients with early arterial disease have no signs or symptoms of the disease on physical examination.
Doppler ultrasound technology allows physicians to more accurately assess the circulation to the feet and legs. This technology allows the physician to hear the arteries, as well as provides a graphical interpretation of the function of the individual arteries. Diseased arteries sound different, and the graphic wave forms are different than in healthy arteries. Doppler examination of the arteries to the feet and legs is fast, accurate, pain free, and can be performed in the physician’s office.
Signs of poor circulation to the feet & legs include: cold feet and toes, cramping to the feet and legs when walking, pain to the top of the feet at night, thin and shiny skin to the feet and legs, deformed toenails, loss of hair to the toes, and slow healing of minor wounds to the feet and legs.
Risk factors for PVD include: diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and advanced age. Early detection of PVD is the key to avoiding complications such as non-healing wounds, infection, and amputations of the feet and legs.
In the past, early arterial disease was detected simply by “feeling” the pulses of the arteries to the feet and legs. Studies show that up to 1/3 of patients with early arterial disease have no signs or symptoms of the disease on physical examination.
Doppler ultrasound technology allows physicians to more accurately assess the circulation to the feet and legs. This technology allows the physician to hear the arteries, as well as provides a graphical interpretation of the function of the individual arteries. Diseased arteries sound different, and the graphic wave forms are different than in healthy arteries. Doppler examination of the arteries to the feet and legs is fast, accurate, pain free, and can be performed in the physician’s office.
Signs of poor circulation to the feet & legs include: cold feet and toes, cramping to the feet and legs when walking, pain to the top of the feet at night, thin and shiny skin to the feet and legs, deformed toenails, loss of hair to the toes, and slow healing of minor wounds to the feet and legs.
Risk factors for PVD include: diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and advanced age. Early detection of PVD is the key to avoiding complications such as non-healing wounds, infection, and amputations of the feet and legs.
Taking a Vacation? Make it Easy on Your Feet!
Although rest and relaxation are the goals for most vacations, they usually involve a lot of walking and a lot of walking usually involves sore feet.
Walking is great exercise and one of the most reliable forms of transportation. But if your feet aren’t in the best shape or you don’t have the right shoes, too much walking can cause foot problems.
Good foot care is essential if you plan to subject your feet to long periods of walking. Some simple foot care tips include:
• Wear thick, absorbent socks (acrylic instead of cotton).
• Dry feet thoroughly after bathing, making sure to dry between toes. Use powder before putting on shoes.
• Nails should be cut regularly, straight across the toe.
• Bunions, hammertoes or any other serious foot problems should be evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist.
The right shoe is also important to healthy walking. The ideal walking shoe should be stable from side to side, and well-cushioned, and it should enable you to walk smoothly. Many running shoes will fit the bill.
There are also shoes made specially for walking. Walking shoes tend to be slightly less cushioned, yet not as bulky, and lighter than running shoes. Whether a walking or running shoe, the shoes need to feel stable and comfortable.
Warming up exercises to help alleviate any muscle stiffness or pulled muscles are also advised before walking. Loosening up the heel cords (Achilles and calf) and thigh muscles before a walk is especially effective.
If you’re not accustomed to long walks, start slowly and rest if your feet start hurting. And above all, have fun!
Walking is great exercise and one of the most reliable forms of transportation. But if your feet aren’t in the best shape or you don’t have the right shoes, too much walking can cause foot problems.
Good foot care is essential if you plan to subject your feet to long periods of walking. Some simple foot care tips include:
• Wear thick, absorbent socks (acrylic instead of cotton).
• Dry feet thoroughly after bathing, making sure to dry between toes. Use powder before putting on shoes.
• Nails should be cut regularly, straight across the toe.
• Bunions, hammertoes or any other serious foot problems should be evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist.
The right shoe is also important to healthy walking. The ideal walking shoe should be stable from side to side, and well-cushioned, and it should enable you to walk smoothly. Many running shoes will fit the bill.
There are also shoes made specially for walking. Walking shoes tend to be slightly less cushioned, yet not as bulky, and lighter than running shoes. Whether a walking or running shoe, the shoes need to feel stable and comfortable.
Warming up exercises to help alleviate any muscle stiffness or pulled muscles are also advised before walking. Loosening up the heel cords (Achilles and calf) and thigh muscles before a walk is especially effective.
If you’re not accustomed to long walks, start slowly and rest if your feet start hurting. And above all, have fun!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Diabetics need to take special care of their feet to avoid the possibility of amputation
More than 18 million American adults suffer from diabetes, a chronic disease in which the pancreas stops producing insulin, the hormone that enables people to turn food into energy.
The disease, over time, can cause poor blood circulation and nerve damage in the feet, making them vulnerable to ulcers, infections, deformities and brittle bones.
Dr. Jasen Langley, a podiatrist with Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, is trying to create public awareness of this growing problem. In cooperation with the hospital, he heads diabetes education classes and a monthly support group, designed to help individuals manage their diabetes.
"People with diabetes are 10 times more likely to have a lower limb amputated than people without diabetes," said Langley, whose office is in Howell. "They must always be vigilant and should see a podiatrist at the first sign of trouble. Early treatment can keep diabetic foot problems from progressing and reduce the risk of amputations."
At a recent program, Langley talked about the key factors in preventing serious damage to the foot and ankle areas.
"The most important thing a diabetic can do is have good blood sugar control," Langley said. "Once the sugar is under control, the manifestations of problems will actually slow down. You won't see them as quickly as you do in an uncontrolled diabetic."
Good blood sugar control can be achieved by medications, a proper diet and exercise, doctors say.
Wear sneakers
Seventy-two-year-old Edie Berg knows all about fighting blood sugar. She has been battling diabetes for more than seven years and started using insulin in 2004 to better maintain control.
"I like the insulin because I was getting some high numbers and that can be scary," said Berg, who lives in Howell. "The insulin has given me better control of my blood sugar. If I get a high number, I just take a little bigger dose of insulin."
Berg has been taking steroids for many years to combat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. She was told by doctors that her blood sugar numbers would increase because of the steroids, but it wasn't until 2000 that diabetes set in.
Fortunately, Berg has not had any problems with her feet. She credits a healthy diet and regular trips to the doctor. "I go every two months to the doctor and my feet are always checked," Berg said. "Dr. Langley always wants me to make sure I wear sneakers. He says, "If one foot rubs against another and you can't feel it, that's the first sign of trouble.' When I rub my feet together, it tickles, so I know I am OK."
Diabetes costs more than $132 billion a year in the United States, including direct medical expenses as well as indirect costs such as lost work, disability and premature death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
Langley said many younger doctors are being more aggressive in their treatment of diabetics, which can help prevent surgery and reduce the financial toll.
"If a foot becomes bad enough that you need surgery, that can run in the neighborhood of $50,000, $60,000," Langley said. "That really takes a toll on the family and the insurance companies. That is why you are seeing the media and the Diabetes Association embarking on a more aggressive campaign to get the word out on the disease."
The disease, over time, can cause poor blood circulation and nerve damage in the feet, making them vulnerable to ulcers, infections, deformities and brittle bones.
Dr. Jasen Langley, a podiatrist with Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, is trying to create public awareness of this growing problem. In cooperation with the hospital, he heads diabetes education classes and a monthly support group, designed to help individuals manage their diabetes.
"People with diabetes are 10 times more likely to have a lower limb amputated than people without diabetes," said Langley, whose office is in Howell. "They must always be vigilant and should see a podiatrist at the first sign of trouble. Early treatment can keep diabetic foot problems from progressing and reduce the risk of amputations."
At a recent program, Langley talked about the key factors in preventing serious damage to the foot and ankle areas.
"The most important thing a diabetic can do is have good blood sugar control," Langley said. "Once the sugar is under control, the manifestations of problems will actually slow down. You won't see them as quickly as you do in an uncontrolled diabetic."
Good blood sugar control can be achieved by medications, a proper diet and exercise, doctors say.
Wear sneakers
Seventy-two-year-old Edie Berg knows all about fighting blood sugar. She has been battling diabetes for more than seven years and started using insulin in 2004 to better maintain control.
"I like the insulin because I was getting some high numbers and that can be scary," said Berg, who lives in Howell. "The insulin has given me better control of my blood sugar. If I get a high number, I just take a little bigger dose of insulin."
Berg has been taking steroids for many years to combat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. She was told by doctors that her blood sugar numbers would increase because of the steroids, but it wasn't until 2000 that diabetes set in.
Fortunately, Berg has not had any problems with her feet. She credits a healthy diet and regular trips to the doctor. "I go every two months to the doctor and my feet are always checked," Berg said. "Dr. Langley always wants me to make sure I wear sneakers. He says, "If one foot rubs against another and you can't feel it, that's the first sign of trouble.' When I rub my feet together, it tickles, so I know I am OK."
Diabetes costs more than $132 billion a year in the United States, including direct medical expenses as well as indirect costs such as lost work, disability and premature death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
Langley said many younger doctors are being more aggressive in their treatment of diabetics, which can help prevent surgery and reduce the financial toll.
"If a foot becomes bad enough that you need surgery, that can run in the neighborhood of $50,000, $60,000," Langley said. "That really takes a toll on the family and the insurance companies. That is why you are seeing the media and the Diabetes Association embarking on a more aggressive campaign to get the word out on the disease."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
