PODIATRIC CARE CAN PREVENT COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES

According to Samantha Newstadt, DPM, with Coordinated Health, part of Lehigh Valley Health Network, many people who have diabetes develop some degree of neuropathy or nerve damage in their legs or feet, which causes a loss of sensation. “When this happens, you have a higher risk for being injured without knowing. If left untreated, even small injuries can progress into something more significant,” she says.

 

Dr. Samantha Newstadt

 

Dr. Newstadt says another reason that people who have diabetes are more susceptible to issues with their feet is because many have some element of vascular disease in their lower extremity, which also can contribute to complications. The good news is that there is plenty you can do to prevent diabetes–related foot conditions, starting with seeing a podiatrist. “If you have diabetes, it’s important to be established with a podiatrist and see them regularly. A podiatrist can evaluate any changes in your vascular health or for the development of neuropathy,” she says.

 

Source: Hannah Ropp, LVHN News [2/25/21]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News