Type I and Type II Diabetes - What It Means To Your Feet

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)Type I diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, appears early in life and means the body does not have the ability to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts glucose to energy. If glucose remains in the blood stream it can result in cell destruction. Type II diabetes is the inability of the body to produce enough insulin or break it down adequately.

Type I can strike at or before adolescence, where type II is more gradual to develop. While there are differences in the onset of diabetes, if treatment is not started early and pursued, the results can be devastating because both involve neuropathy, or the destruction of nerves in the body. You need to pay close attention to the feet, because this is a common location for nerve damage to first show signs. Early symptoms of neuropathy can include a numbing or tingling in the feet.

If you have diabetes, one of the major areas of concern is your feet. This is because the loss of feeling can allow a sore or break in the skin to go undetected, resulting in infection and possibly leading to amputation. People with diabetes need to make sure they are being evaluated by a podiatrist annually, or more frequently if needed.

Dr. Teichman can thoroughly check your feet, examine for sores, blisters, dry cracked skin, signs of athletes foot or other complications. He can prescribe a treatment program for your feet that will ward off more complicated foot problems. In conjunction to his examination and recommendations, he can educate you to precautions you can take. These include:

    •    Always wear shoes and socks to protect feet.

    •    Bathe feet daily pat dry and apply lotion.

    •    Examine feet daily and have your doctor treat minor problems of the feet and ankles. This includes corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, sores and athletes foot.

    •    Advise your doctor of sores or breaks in the skin. Seek immediate treatment.

    •    Wear closed toe and heel shoes that fit properly.

    •    Follow the diet and exercise program your doctor recommends.

With over 25 million people in the U.S., more than 8 percent of the population, the risks and complications from diabetes are staggering. If you are a person with diabetes, call Dr. Teichman’s office today at (610) 432-9593 to make sure you are scheduled for your annual exam. Never neglect your feet.

References:

http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/understanding-diabetes-symptoms
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/

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Peripheral Arterial Disease, not a life sentence

Image via WikipediaAre you one of the many who has noticed pain when you walk, but the pain disappears after a few moments of rest? Ever experience coldness in your leg or foot? You may be showing early signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and need to schedule an appointment with Dr. Teichman.

Other symptoms may include:

•    Leg numbness or weakness
•    Sores on foot or leg that will not heal
•    Shiny skin on your legs
•    Loss of hair on legs
•    Change of skin color on legs

Peripheral Arterial Disease is a major complication that can develop from Diabetes. If you are diagnosed with PAD, treatment has two goals. First is to reduce or manage pain so that you may resume your normal activities, and the second is to prevent the buildup of artery blockage, which could cause you a stroke or heart attack.  Dr. Teichman can do a thorough evaluation to determine your risk and educate you on what needs to be done to help you manage your situation. If need be, he can help with the healing of ulcerated skin, advise you in proper footwear, perform treatment on corns and calluses, prescribe medications and also make other recommendations. You may be able to manage PAD by making some lifestyle changes that would include stop smoking as well as changes in diet and exercise, but there are some cases where surgery may have to be performed. This might include a procedure to unblock the arteries.

If you have peripheral arterial disease and it is allowed to go untreated, you could possibly experience pain that is so severe it may affect your very lifestyle. If you continue to ignore the warning signs, you could be placing your life at risk. As with any medical concern, it is best to seek treatment early.  Do not allow the symptoms to become increasingly worse. This is not a disease that will disappear in time if left untreated, and you risk amputation or possibly your life. 

If you experience pain, coldness, numbness or sores or infections that take a long time to heal or do not heal at all, call Dr. Teichman at (610) 432-9593.  He can evaluate you and get you started on an individual treatment plan. Peripheral Arterial does not have to be a life sentence. There are treatments available. 

References:

http://eastpennfoot.com/video-library

www.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-arterial-disease/DS00537/

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Diabetes and Dry Cracked Skin

Image via WikipediaDo you find it annoyingly painful to walk due to dry cracked skin on the heels of your feet? Have you tried lotions and potions, yet still have a difficult time treating this condition? We are here today to offer some practical suggestions to try to help you make things a bit more tolerable.

Dry cracked skin is usually most problematic during the winter months. Thickening and drying of the skin occurs, and deep cracks can appear, which makes it painful to even walk. For some, dry cracked heels are a mere cosmetic annoyance, but for a person with diabetes, it can pose a greater problem and health risks. What causes dry cracked skin?

    •    Age

    •    Existing skin conditions like psoriasis

    •    Diabetes

    •    Thyroid problems

    •    Vitamin deficiencies

    •    Excess weight

As we age, the skin loses its normal elasticity. Skin conditions caused by medical disorders can contribute to dryness and weight bearing can become problematic, especially if we stand for long periods of time and the skin is under excessive stress.  Any combination of these conditions can increase the likelihood of dry cracked skin.

Symptoms of dry cracked skin include discoloration (yellowish) and thickening of the skin. If it goes untreated, the skin can crack and bleed. Deepening cracks can harbor infections. People with diabetes should check their feet regularly, because they may have decreasing sensation in their feet due to nerve damage.

    •    Bathe feet daily, test for proper temperature and dry thoroughly.

    •    Apply vitamin enriched moisturizers to the feet, but not between toes.

    •    Use a pumice stone to remove dry and calloused skin.

    •    Wear shoes and socks to protect feet. Check them for small objects that could cause injury.

    •    Check your feet daily for sores. People with diabetes are at greater risk for infection.

For the person living with diabetes, proper foot care is essential. Have regular medical checkups, and do not be bashful about exposing your toes. Still, tell your doctor immediately if you have a concern about your feet. Some doctors may prescribe orthotics to help relieve pressure on problem areas. Follow their instructions closely. If you implement a sound plan of prevention, you should make it through the winter with fewer problems, but if you have a problem, call East Penn Foot & Ankle Associates for an appointment.

So what’s worked well for your feet and dry skin? We’d like to know so comment below!

References: 

www.footsmart.com/healthcondition.aspx?ailmentid=83
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_feet/#hurtfeet

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Diabetes – Harsh Climate Protection

Image via WikipediaPatients who suffer Type I or Type II Diabetes are at greater risk during the cold winter months. This is because they deal with the loss of feeling in their feet, as a result of nerve damage. Therefore, it is necessary that Diabetic patients use extra care to avoid lengthy exposure to the elements, especially during the winter months. Excessive exposure could cause frostbite, damaging skin and other cells.

When it is necessary to be outside, try to plan ahead. A common sense approach and a few items can be very helpful. Move around to stimulate circulation. Take more regular breaks to get inside out of the cold. Make sure your foot wear fits appropriately, is non-restrictive and allows enough room for an extra pair of socks. Keep an extra pair or two of warm, dry socks with you, in case your feet get damp or perspire. Make sure your outer footwear is waterproof, and replace inadequate shoes and boots as soon as possible. If you travel, allow for periodic rest stops to get out and get moving. This will allow for better circulation. Also, it is a good plan to pack along a blanket. Keep the blanket in the automobile passenger compartment with you, not in the trunk.

If you suspect that prolonged exposure to cold, snow, wind or sleet may have caused skin damage or frostbite, use caution and warm up slowly. The affected area should not be rubbed or massaged. This could cause further damage. Instead, wrap in a blanket and allow for gradual re-warming, allowing circulation to slowly improve.

If you are Diabetic and suspect over-exposure, it is recommended that you seek the advice of your foot-care specialist. The freezing of the skin or other tissue could have serious health consequences. Your doctor can advise you.

If you have any questions concerning diabetes and the affects it causes to the feet, contact Dr. Teichman at East Penn Foot & Ankle Associates on our website.

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Losing Weight with Diabetes

Image via WikipediaAs the New Year’s resolutions are either going strong or dwindling out, the ever so present goal of weight loss thrives around this time of year.  Makes sense though, with all the higher fatty foods from the holidays and not exercising as much due to the colder weather.  If you have diabetes and want to lose weight, great!  You just might want to do something differently than people who jump on the next diet craze or the hottest workout. 

Having diabetes only adds problems if you’re overweight and by losing weight you can actually reduce your risk of health problems.  To do this, you don’t need a fancy diet or a crazy workout plan, you just need to eat healthy and be physically active.  You should check out the blog we wrote earlier about making your diet a rainbow, it talks about a fun way to approach your meal planning. 

As for exercising, don’t go crazy pushing yourself too hard.  If you push yourself too hard, you’re asking for an injury or complications.  Take up walking or if you’re up for it, jogging.  Make sure you ease yourself into it, though, especially if you have not been physically active for a while.  This way, you will actually enjoy being active and you won’t burn yourself out.  You should also challenge a family member or friend to get out and get active with you, that way you’ll be accountable to each other and can challenge each other.  Don’t get crazy competitive though, and risk pushing yourself or your partner to giving up.  You could also join a swimming class at the rec center, or take up playing basketball with a group of family and/or friends.  You could go walking at a park or window shopping at the mall.  Find what works for you and enjoy yourself!

For more tips on how to lose weight with diabetes or how diabetes effects your feet, contact your diabetes specialist or contact Dr. Teichman at East Penn Foot & Ankle Associates.

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The Glucose Tolerance Test

Image by J. Star via FlickrIf you have ever been pregnant, you have probably had to endure the infamous Glucose Tolerance Test.  This test isn’t just for women who are pregnant when they test for gestational diabetes, but this test can be used to check for diabetes in general.  The most common form of this test is done by ingesting a set amount of glucose and then the doctor checking your blood about two hours later. 

In order for this test to work correctly, you’ll have to fast for at least 8 hours prior to the test.  For your comfort and for the best results, have the test done in the morning.  That way, you can eat dinner by 8pm the night before, and then just don’t eat anything before bedtime.  You can get a good nights’ rest and after 7 hours of sleep, go to the doctor first thing in the morning, without eating anything for breakfast of course, and have the test done.  Once you’re out of the test, go get something to eat and get on with your day.  It makes the process really easy and then you don’t have to starve yourself through the day to take the test.  One thing to remember though is that you are going to have to ingest a pretty good dose of glucose, so you might want to drink some water to get your stomach ready.  That way you be able to hopefully keep it down and not have to retake the test on a later date.

Dr. Teichman can point you in the right direction if you need a good doctor to check you out, because if you think you might have diabetes, you need to get checked out by a doctor asap!  If you have this test coming up in your future, though I have never taken the test myself, I have heard good things about the orange flavor of glucose.  Something to think about.

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