To put it into perspective, there are currently 25.8 million people living with diabetes. That correlates to more than 8% of the total population of the United States. Of the 25.8 million people, only 18.8 million people are diagnosed, whereas 7 million people are undiagnosed. The most staggering figure is that 79 million people are pre-diabetics! No wonder the entire month of November is dedicated to diabetes awareness.
The pre-diabetes statistic is very alarming considering the complications to the lower extremities are dangerous. Common foot complications are:
- Numbing or loss of feeling in your feet
- Non-healing Foot ulcers or sores
- Foot or leg Amputation
As a physician, it can't be stressed enough the importance of proper diet, exercise, and medical attention. Maintain regular yearly check ups to one’s family physician and podiatrist. Podiatrists team up with family physicians to effectively manage the effects of diabetes on the foot.
Test your knowledge by answering 10 quick questions:
Knock Your Socks Off! Diabetes Awareness Quiz (You even get a certificate at the end.)
How will you play your part in creating Diabetes Awareness?
Citation:
American Podiatric Medical Association. (2011). Diabetes by the Numbers. Retrieved from http://www.apma.org/DiabetesNumbers
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