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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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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