November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and this is the time we take a moment to go over the important aspects of this condition affecting millions of Americans. Because diabetes is associated with poor circulation it can be particularly hard on your feet.

Let’s Review the Need-to-Know Basics of Diabetes:

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease where the body is not able to produce or maintain adequate insulin. This means the body has difficulty converting sugar and starches into energy. This can leave excess sugar in your bloodstream which can damage your feet, eyes, heart, and nerves.

How Can This Impact Your Feet?

Diabetes has several negative effects on the health of your feet. Neuropathy, a form of nerve damage, can result in elevated blood sugar. Neuropathy causes problems because it can reduce feeling in your feet, leaving you unable to notice any damage. Not only that, but diabetic wounds take longer to heal due to poor circulation.  Blood has a more difficult time getting to the wound in order to help in the healing process. Infections are common among people who suffer from diabetes.

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort it’s vital you contact a podiatrist right away.

You can count on the Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC foot doctors to provide care for your feet using a full range of both conservative and surgical therapies. Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serve patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies including onsite digital x-ray, ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics.

For any questions or to make an appointment, please contact us at one of our Southeast Michigan facilities in Monroe (734-241-0200) and Lambertville (734-856-8900) in Bedford and Monroe counties).

We also offer convenient house calls Monday through Thursday, so give us a call!