Over 37 million Americans are living with diabetes, according to the CDC. Diabetes can be a debilitating disease that can be fatal when you don’t manage it properly. Your feet are especially vulnerable to this disease. That’s why patients in Upper West Side, New York, NY, need diabetic foot care from an expert like Dr. Fung-Schwartz.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body produces insulin. There are three types known as Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes that goes away after pregnancy. With type one diabetes, it results in the patient having to take insulin every day since the body doesn't produce it at all. If a patient doesn't watch their insulin intake or diet, it can have devastating consequences.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Feet?
One of the common side effects of diabetes is how it can affect the lower extremities. People with diabetes are vulnerable to foot ulcers, blood vessel problems, and slow-healing wounds.
When you see Dr. Fung-Schwartz for diabetic foot care, you have access to a professional that has spent decades providing such care to patients in the city. She will check your feet for sores and bruises, treat ingrown toenails, and look for other signs of infection.
How Can You Protect Feet with Diabetes?
When you have diabetes, in addition to seeing your podiatrist regularly, you must do daily self-care to keep your extremities healthy:
- Wear socks and shoes
- Keep feet clean
- Trim toenails
- Be mindful of ingrown toenails
- Examine feet for cuts and bruises
- Watch your diet ( especially sugar)
- Don’t smoke
The smallest cut on your foot can develop into an infection when you have diabetes. That’s why you should avoid walking barefoot, even when inside, and allow the podiatrist to handle ingrown toenails.
Diabetes is a disease that affects people around the world. Since it is a chronic disease, you must learn how to manage it so you don’t reduce your quality of life. One of the best things you can do is get expert medical care. Luckily, access to professional diabetic foot care in Upper West Side, New York, NY, is easy when you visit Dr. Fung-Schwartz. Call her office at (212) 678-2333 for an appointment.