New Strategies for Reducing Risk of Diabetic Foot Complications

An article that appeared in the most recent issue of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery talks about new preventative measures for diabetic foot ulcers.

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According to the article, lower extremity disease affects 30% of diabetic individuals who are more than forty years old. The article stresses these important areas of treatment and prevention...

• Careful screening by your doctor if you have diabetes can help prevent lower extremity ulcers and infections. The article recommends, "patient education, prescription footwear, intensive podiatric care, and evaluation for surgical intervention" to lower your risk of complications.
• Be aware that elevated foot temperature is an indication that trouble is brewing. The article recommends reducing activity while foot temperature is higher and contacting your health care provider can reduce diabetic foot complications.
• A1c levels are a predictor of risk of diabetic foot complications. The higher the level, the higher the risk.
• Infected foot lesions need antibiotic treatment. Treating all infected lesions with antibiotics reduces the risk of amputations.

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Photo by Mirko Delcaldo