In 2013 the Oscar winning Tom Hanks was told by his doctor, “You know those high blood sugar numbers you’ve been dealing with since you were 36. Well now you’ve graduated. You’ve got Type 2 diabetes young man.” No longer the slim man he was as a young actor, it’s likely that overweight contributed to the development of Hank’s disease. Some other famous people who have Type II diabetes are former American Idol judge Randy Jackson, singer Patti LaBelle, former tennis star Billy Jean King and, talk show host Larry King. Salma Hayek had gestational diabetes which comes with pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can place people at greater risk for developing Type II diabetes in the future.
How Diabetes Affects the Feet
Diabetes is manageable through diet, exercise, and medications, but most people don’t think about how diabetes can affect the feet. As a Seattle podiatrist practicing for over 30 years, I’ve helped thousands of diabetic patients by healing ulcers and wounds that form due to diabetic neuropathy (damage to the nervous system which causes lack of feeling in the feet), poor circulation, and infection. As a surgeon I’ve had to perform hundreds of limb saving surgeries.
Get A Diabetic Foot Exam to Catch Problems Early
When it comes to your feet the best way to prevent me from seeing you in surgery, is to come to our office and start paying critical attention to your toes and feet. At our Diabetic Center of Excellence we’ll assess your current situation by performing a Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam, the gold standard for patients with diabetes.
In addition to the loss of sensation, people with diabetes often suffer from extremely dry, cracked heels and toenail fungus.
Dry, cracked heels can be very painful and can lead to ulcerations and infections. Moisturizing is essential to help remedy this condition. After washing and drying your feet our office is recommending Kera-42 cream be applied in the morning and evening. Not an ordinary moisturizer, Kera-42 contains 42% urea and other ingredients to exfoliate, moisturize, and restore the skin on your feet.
For other things you can do to care for your feet and avoid serious problems read Top Ten Tips for Diabetic Feet.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes or you aren’t currently seeing a podiatrist, call our office at 206-368-7000 or ask for an appointment online.
