Many Diabetes Patients Wear the Wrong Shoes
Second Opinion continued...
The study confirms what Armstrong observes with some patients, he tells WebMD. "The doctor and nurse can tell the patient something [about proper footwear]. Just because we tell them doesn’t mean they are going to be motivated to make changes."
What may help, he says, is to let those with diabetes know that the risk of foot ulcers is as high as 25%, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Wearing properly fitted shoes can help reduce that risk, Armstrong says. "The problem here is the neuropathy is silent," he says. With nerve damage in the feet, there is a loss of feeling in the feet.
Get an evaluation by a foot doctor every year, Armstrong says. "Doing that alone, just seeing the podiatrist, reduces your risk of getting a wound and then getting amputation by anywhere from 20% to 70%."
Proper shoes don't have to look like ''Frankenstein shoes," he says. He differs with Ogedengbe in that he does allow women with diabetes to wear heels, within reason.
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
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