Diabetes and Foot Care
Foot care is an important part of managing diabetes to stay healthy. In fact, people with diabetes are at increased risk of serious foot problems. According to Juvenile Diabetes Association, foot disease is the most common diabetes complication leading to hospitalizations. Major causes of foot disease are ulcers or sores on the feet or ankles caused by infection and minor injuries. Studies show that the prevalence of these problems increases with age. (JDF 4/98) By starting preventive measures early, it is possible to avoid later foot complications and enable you to maintain an independent, active lifestyle. This is why the Dr. Zen Therapeutic Shoes and Inserts are an excellent first step toward better foot health.
It is a well know fact that a person with Diabetes must pay special attention to their feet. Our diabetic shoe serves as the best measure for maintaining healthy feet.
Prevention is the key. Small foot problems can lead to more serious foot problems such as foot sores, ulcers, and even amputation. Each year in the U.S, an estimated 60,000 foot amputations are performed on people with diabetes. Through the use of diabetic footwear, an estimated 50,000 are preventable.
Diabetes Information
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
There are 18.2 million people in the United States, or 6.3% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 13 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 5.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.
The Medicare program covers Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:
- Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
- Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.
Finding out you have diabetes is scary. But don't panic! Diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. You can too by taking good care of yourself. |
