By John Mina, D.P.M.
In our aging society diabetes is becoming more and more prevalent. There are many theories as to why this is happening but, whatever the cause, it is important to know whether or not you have it and, if so, how will it affect your feet. Sadly, many people with diabetes have to have a foot or leg amputated. This is mostly due to lack of education and respect for their condition. So how can this tragedy be avoided?
First, it is best to have an idea about what diabetes is and what causes it. In brief, people with diabetes either have a lack of a chemical called insulin or the insulin is not working as it should. In either case, the patient ends up with too much sugar in their blood. In the case of type I diabetes, the immune system attacks the pancreas and destroys the cells that make insulin. Type II diabetes occurs when the insulin is not recognized by the cells and is not doing its job. Type II is far more common and usually occurs later in life. The diagnosis of diabetes must be made by your doctor.
So, how do you avoid amputation once you are diagnosed with this? First of all, follow your doctor’s advice of medication, diet, exercise and whatever else he recommends. Second, start seeing a foot doctor regularly. One of the side effects of diabetes is that the circulation gets clogged up. Since the feet are the parts of the body that are farthest away from the heart, they suffer the most damage from this. Without good circulation the feet don’t heal as well as they should, the body has trouble fighting off infections, and the nerves start to die. All these factors cause much greater risks to the patient. A slight cut, blister, or ingrown toenail can easily become infected. If the infection reaches the bone, amputation may become necessary.
Often, diabetics will develop neuropathy. This means that the nerves in the feet and legs are dying and not working properly. The symptoms can include burning, sharp stabbing pains, numbness,
and/or tingling. The numbness can be the most dangerous because; if someone can’t feel their feet then they don’t know if a problem is developing. By the time they are aware of the situation it might already be too late.
If you have diabetes, it is important for you or someone else to inspect your feet every day looking for signs of infection. These include blood, swelling, redness, scabbing, or anything that does not look of feel normal. If there is a concern, then contact your podiatrist and explain that there may be an infection. If you receive treatment soon enough, much more serious problems can often be prevented.
John Mina, DPM, ABPMS
Dr. Mina received a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. He joined Southwest Florida Ankle and Foot Care Specialists after 14 years of experience in private practice. Dr. Mina has extensive training and experience in peripheral neuropathy and specializes in minimum incision surgery.
Credentials
• Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
• Fellow, American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry
• Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgery
Medical Education
• Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine
Professional Affiliations
• American Podiatric Medical Association
• Florida Podiatric Medical Association
• Lee County Podiatric Medical Association
• Southwest Florida Podiatry Society
• American Institute of Foot Medicine
• International College of Podiatric Laser Surgeons
• American Society of Podiatric Legal Medicine
Southwest Florida Ankle and Foot Care Specialists
www.aimsfl.com | 239-433-7433
16 locations throughout SWFL