According to the American Diabetes Association, there are a number of things to consider if you suffer from diabetes, one being preventive foot care.
Risk Identification
It is important to know whether you are at risk as a diabetic patient. Males who have had diabetes for over 10 years with poor glucose control, cardiovascular, retinal or renal complications are at risk for ulcers or amputations.
Foot Exam
It is important for individuals to schedule an annual foot examination just be to be cautious. You might feel like you are fine, but a health professional might be able to spot conditions that could worsen overtime. If you happen to have more than one high-risk foot condition should be seen more frequently.
Management of high-risk conditions
Diabetic patients generally have less feeling in their feet and toes. Doctors will take the time to make this apparent to patients to increase their awareness. They need to be cognizant of the fact that the poor circulation that is happening in their feet is contributing to their loss of feeling.
Doctors will also provide patients with correct footwear to help manage their conditions, like well-fitted walking shoes or athletic shoes.
Patient Education
The number one problem with diabetic patients and why so many amputations are performed each year is because people are unaware. People need to be educated so this won’t happen in the future. Most of the amputations that occur could have been avoided. This is highly frustrating because this shouldn’t be the case. With a little bit of effort on the patients end, things will be fine. It is matter of being consistent and making checking up on your feet a daily routine. When it becomes commonplace to inspect your feet everyday, there won’t be anything to worry about.
