How Do You Get Diabetes?
The question as to why some people develop diabetes is still being debated, but once you are diagnosed with diabetes, it remains with you for life. Podiatrists play an important role in the diabetic treatment team.The key to amputation prevention in diabetic patients is timely detection via annual foot screenings.
Diabetic patients are usually more prone to foot ulcerations that should be treated properly by a podiatrist to reduce the risk of amputation. Our doctors are trained on healing diabetic wounds and to keep one’s feet healthy and strong.
Type A (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile-onset diabetes)
- Makes up about 5-10% of diabetic patients
- Commonly observed in children and adolescents
- Caused as a result of the inability to produce insulin, which is vital for healthy life
Type B (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes)
- Makes up the remaining 90-95% of diabetic patients
- Are prescribed oral medication and injections for treatment
- Majority of the population, about 80% or above, are obese, and obesity actively leads to insulin resistance
Risk Factors of Type B
- Diabetic family history
- Obesity
- Gestational diabetic history
- Age of 40 years or above
Having membership at either of these ethnic groups:
- African American
- Native American
- Latino American
- Asian American
- Pacific Islander
Symptoms of Diabetes
- Skin color changes
- Increased skin temperature
- Swollen foot and ankle
- Pain in leg area
- Slow healing sores
- Fungal toenails
- Bleeding corns and calluses
- Dry skin
Treatment Options for Diabetes Katy TX
1. Clean feet routinely
- Wash your feet nightly with mild soap and lukewarm water
- Gently dry your toes and apply talcum powder to remove any excess moisture
- Use an effective moisturizing cream regularly, but do not apply it in between your toes
2. Examine feet routinely
- Examine your feet on a daily basis to detect any cuts, bruises, sores or changes in the toenails, like staining. If age or any injury hinders the performance of this task, use a mirror to help you
3. Wear thick and soft socks
4. Cut toenails straight across
5. Exercise
6. Get your foot sized measured accurately before buying new shoes
7. Avoid being barefoot
8. Avoid wearing shoes with pointed toes
9. Avoid excessive drinking
10. Avoid wearing overly tight leg-wear
- Avoid wearing socks with seams which can encourage the formation of blisters and sores
11. Avoid removing calluses, corns or warts on your own
- Commercial application forremoval of warts and corns should be avoided as they can burn the skin
- Do not cut calluses with a razor blade
- Our doctors can help you remove any callouses, corns or warts. Please call our office for an appointment.
12. Stop smoking
- Avoid cutting down the corners as it could result in the inward growth of toenails
- Use a nail file to remove any sharp corners
- Our doctors can help if your nails are too hard to be trimmed
- Reduces excessive fat and improves circulation
- Walking can provide effective conditioning for the feet
- Adhere to the use of appropriate exercise shoes
- Foot size and shape may change over time. Feet should be measuredeach time you buy shoes
- You should buy shoes that don’t require a break-in period. Instead, they should be comfortable from the start.
- Shoes should perfectly fit the length and width of the feet, and should have a roomy toe box.
- Particularly while walking outside
- Always wear slippers at home
- This can result in excessive pressure on the foot and can lead to bone and joint disorders
- Shoes with straps in between the toes should also be avoided
- Alcohol plays a major role in occurrence of neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Overly tight panty hose, panty girdles, thigh-highs or knee-highs can hinder blood circulation to legs and feet
- Men should avoid dress socks with extremely tight elastic
Common Questions on Diabetic Foot Care and Prevention
Below are answers to common questions about diabetic foot health and treatment.
How does diabetes affect the feet?
Diabetes can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation, increasing the risk of foot complications.
What are common diabetic foot complications?
These include infections and Foot Ulcer development.
How can diabetic foot problems be prevented?
Proper footwear such as Diabetic Shoes and regular checkups are essential.
When should I see a podiatrist?
At the first sign of pain, numbness, or skin changes, early care is critical.
Diabetic Foot Care Experts in Katy & Cypress
If you have diabetes, routine foot evaluations are essential to prevent complications such as infections or ulcers. Even minor symptoms should be assessed early.
Our board-certified podiatrists provide comprehensive diabetic foot care for patients throughout Katy, Cypress, Cinco Ranch, Richmond, and Fort Bend County.
Call us at (281) 395-3338 or request an appointment online.
