November is Diabetes Awareness Month, something we take pretty seriously here at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland. What is it about diabetes that we need to be aware of?
There are 4 common types.
- Type 2 – where the body cannot properly process blood glucose. Controllable with proper diet, exercise, and monitoring.
- Type 1 – where the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin. Usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Requires daily insulin injections. No way to prevent it.
- Gestational – affects some pregnant women.
- Prediabetes – when blood sugar levels are on the high side, but not high enough to be Type 2. Will lead to Type 2 diabetes if not reversed through diet and exercise.
It’s widespread.
- Diabetes affects about 30 million people in the United States alone.
- One-quarter of senior citizens aged 65 and older are diabetic.
- 84 million Americans age 18 and up have prediabetes.
- Worldwide, there are 422 million people with diabetes.
It’s selective.
- African-Americans and Hispanics are 50% more likely to become diabetic than non-Hispanic whites.
- Overweight and obese people are more at risk.
It’s costly.
- Our citizens spend $240 billion a year in diabetes-related medical costs.
- People with diabetes spend 2.3 times as much on medical expenses than people without it.
It’s dangerous.
- Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in our nation.
- It carries with it the danger of serious complications of the eyes (blindness), kidneys, heart and circulation (stroke), nerves, and amputation of toes, feet, and lower legs.
- When circulation is compromised (peripheral arterial disease), foot wounds may not heal properly. When nerve damage is present (diabetic neuropathy), diabetics may not feel a foot injury. These two conditions can quickly go from simple cut or scrape to amputation.
It’s manageable.
- With proper monitoring on your own and with a healthcare professional, it’s possible to keep blood sugar levels in check and slow the progress of diabetic complications.
- Feet and toes can be kept safe with regular check-ups. If you have diabetes, it’s essential for you to make an appointment at our state-of-the-art podiatry office in Solon, Ohio at least once per year. Our board-certified podiatrists, Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann are experienced in diabetic foot care. Contact us online or call (440) 903-1041.