diabetes complications statistics
Love Diabetes: The DCCT $700 billion and counting

Diabetes Foot and Wound Care Part 2

More scary statistics here:
In 2007 we had 18.2 million Americans with Diabetes.  Now the CDC estimates that we have 23.6 million!!  That is 7% of the US population!!
The cost of Diabetic Amputations is increasing as well.  In 2002 one out of every ten health care dollars or $132 Billion was spent on Diabetes treatment.  Approximately 86,000 lower limbs are amputated annually due to diabetic complications.  44% of End stage renal (kidney) disease is due to diabetes, it is the leading cause of end stage kidney disease~! In adults age’s 20-74 diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness. 

The World Health Organization expects the number of newly diagnosed cases of diabetes to increase from 135 million to 300 million. This is double in the next 25 years. 

Here are some things that you can do to help!
1.  Watch your blood sugars, the more of an up and down you get with your sugars, the increase in complications you will have.
2. Make sure your doctor is ordering your Hemoglobin A1C.  This measures how your sugars have been over the past 3 months. 
3. Make sure that you are checking your feet every day!!  If you notice any open areas or sores, come in immediately to your Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician!! 
4. Early detection and treatment are the keys to healing.
5. Prevention is the number one thing we can do to save limbs!!                                             

 6.  Lose weight.  The old saying slowly but surely is what will get you there.  always remember you didn’t gain the weight in a day.

7.  Cut your toenails straight across along the contour of the nail, don’t dig into the corners.  Bathroom surgery is especially dangerous in patients with diabetes!

8.  Exercise, you can break your exercising down into 3, 10 minute sessions, this will give you your thirty minutes a day!

This is demonstration of the Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Testing that can be done to check your feet for Neuropathy! 

We have onsite x-ray, ultrasound, vascular testing, neurosensory testing, laser, EPAT.  We can make custom orthotics, braces, diabetic shoes, and many other treatments are available!

About the Author

Dr. Patricia Kirk is a Podiatrist in Surprise Arizona.  She graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine.  Dr. Kirk provides treatment for Diabetic Foot Care, Wound Care, Bunions, Hammertoes, Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Pain, Peripheral Neuropathy,, Fractures, Arthritis, Tendon Problems, Tarsal Tunnel, Ulcers, Nerve Problems, Venous Stasis, Athletes Feet, Metatarsalgia, Ingrown Toenails, Gout, Cysts, Swelling, Tinea Pedis and conditions of the feet! 

We have onsite x-ray, ultrasound, vascular testing, neurosensory testing, laser, EPAT.  We can make custom orthotics, braces, diabetic shoes, and many other treatments are available!

Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com