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Let us take care of your feet

Dr. Fosdick examines feet

Diabetes facts

  • Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes high blood sugar levels.
  • In 2013 it was estimated that over 382 million people throughout the world had diabetes.
  • Type 1 Diabetes - the body does not produce insulin. Approximately 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1.
  • Type 2 Diabetes - the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function. Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes worldwide are of this type.
  • Gestational Diabetes - this type affects females during pregnancy.
  • The most common diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal, male sexual dysfunction, numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
  • If you have Type 1 and follow a healthy eating plan, do adequate exercise, and take insulin, you can lead a normal life.
  • Type 2 patients need to eat healthily, be physically active, and test their blood glucose. They may also need to take oral medication, and/or insulin to control blood glucose levels.
  • As the risk of cardiovascular disease is much higher for a diabetic, it is crucial that blood pressure and cholesterol levels are monitored regularly.
  • As smoking might have a serious effect on cardiovascular health, diabetics should stop smoking.
  • Hypoglycemia - low blood glucose - can have a bad effect on the patient. Hyperglycemia - when blood glucose is too high - can also have a bad effect on the patient.

The Diabetic Foot

Diabetes is a serious disease that can develop from lack of insulin production in your body or due to the inability of your body's insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels. Insulin is produced in your pancreas and it helps process the food you eat and turn it into energy

Diabetes disrupts your vascular system, affecting many areas of the body such as your eyes, kidneys, legs, and feet. If you have diabetes you should pay special attention to your feet.

Of the sixteen million Americans with diabetes, 25% will develop foot problems related to the disease. Diabetic foot conditions develop from a combination of causes including poor circulation and neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. Diabetics suffering from neuropathy can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that they may not be aware of due to the insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly even amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such as Bunions, Hammer Toes, and Charcot Feet. Due to the consequences of neuropathy, you need to check your feet every day and you should see Dr. Fosdick once every nine weeks.

Treating Diabetes in the Foot

Footwear and orthotics play an important role in diabetic footcare. We can prescribe orthotics with a type of foam that will protect your feet and prevent injuries you cannot feel from causing later problems. We can also schedule routine and regular appointments so that Dr. Fosdick can keep your feet happy and prevent many of the problems diabetics have with their feet. Many of the symptoms related to diabetes may be alleviated and treated with the use of High Powered Laser Therapy.

If you are recently diagnosed as a diabetic, you can prevent toe amputations and worse. Come in and let us take care of your feet.

Your feet should be pain free.

Call us for an appointment

860•349•8500 or 203•294•4977