Out of the 30 million Americans with diabetes, one-fourth of them are not yet diagnosed and don’t know that they have this disease.
Are you one of them?
These numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are disturbing because they indicate that millions of Americans already have diabetes, but their symptoms are so slight that they are unaware of a health problem.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. With this disease, your body cannot use insulin properly, so blood glucose levels rise. Although it’s not clearly understood why some people develop type 2 diabetes, some factors increase your risk, including excessive weight, inactivity, family history, race, and age.
Know the Symptoms of Diabetes
Many diabetes symptoms are subtle and hard to detect. Are you experiencing any of these?
Excessive thirst
Excessive hunger
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Slow-to-heal cuts
Blurred vision
If you exhibit one or more of these symptoms, please contact your doctor soon for diabetes testing.
Your Feet Can Show Early Warning Signs of Diabetes
Nerve damage, called neuropathy, can be caused by excess blood sugar and is a very common complication of diabetes. Symptoms of neuropathy most often appear in the feet and legs and can include tingling, numbness, or a burning feeling.
Please come in for a visit if you have any symptoms of neuropathy in your feet! You may have a foot injury – even something as minor as a bruise or scrape – and not realize it because you can’t feel it. Our Neurogenx technology can help ease the pain of neuropathy as it helps to regenerate the damaged nerve.
When neuropathy combines with poor circulation, another common diabetes complication, an unnoticed injury on the foot can be dangerous. The wound can worsen, and impaired circulation will prevent healing blood from reaching the area. A dangerous ulcer may be the result.
Don’t delay – if you have diabetes, check your feet and contact our office if you notice a sore or cut on your foot that is not healing correctly. You can avoid further foot damage or even amputation by managing your diabetes and by regular visits to a podiatrist.
Let Us Help with Any Foot Pain or Skin Problem
Foot or toe pain is not normal! If you have any discomfort from arthritis, an injury or just from overuse, please call Michele Kurlanski, DPM at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Kurlanski offers expert and professional podiatry services in Cumberland County, Maine. Please call us today at 207-774-0028 to schedule your appointment in our Scarborough office.