Diabetes: Startling Statistics
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects the lives of about 16 million people in the United States, 5.4 million of whom are unaware that they even have the disease. Every day, 2,200 new cases of diabetes are diagnosed, and an estimated 780,000 new cases are identified each year. The disease is marked by the inability to manufacture or properly use insulin, and impairs the body's ability to convert sugars, starches, and other foods into energy. The long-term effects of elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia) are damage to the eyes, heart, feet, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia may include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, tingling or numbness of the feet or hands, blurred vision, fatigue, slow-to-heal wounds, and susceptibility to certain infections. People who have any of these symptoms and have not been tested for diabetes are putting themselves at considerable risk and should see a physician without delay.
Part of keeping your diabetes in control is testing your blood sugar often. Ask your doctor how often you should test, and what your blood sugar levels should be. Testing your blood and then treating high blood sugar early will help you to prevent complications.
The socioeconomic costs of diabetes are enormous. The costs have been estimated at $98 billion annually, about $44 billion of which are direct costs from the disease with $54 billion indirectly related. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death by disease in the United States, and individuals with diabetes are two to four times as likely to experience heart disease and stroke.
The growth of the disease worldwide is especially alarming. The World Health Organization (WHO) expects the number of new diabetes cases to double in the next 25 years from 135 million to nearly 300 million. Much of this growth will occur in developing countries where aging, unhealthy diets, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles will contribute to the onset of the disease.
- According to a recent survey, about 86,000 lower limbs are amputated annually due to complications from diabetes.
- Diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease, accounting for about 40 percent of new cases.
- Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults, age 20 to 74.
While there is no cure for diabetes, there is hope. With a proper diet, exercise, medical care, and careful management at home, a person with diabetes can keep the most serious of the consequences at bay and enjoy a long, full life.
How Do You Get Diabetes?
No one knows why people develop diabetes, but once diagnosed, the disease is present for life. It is a hereditary disorder, and certain genetic indicators are known to increase the risk of developing diabetes. Type 1, previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile-onset diabetes, afflicts five to ten percent of diagnosed cases of diabetes. This type occurs most frequently in children and adolescents, and is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce the insulin needed for survival. Type 2, previously called noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes, affects the other 90-95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes, many of whom use oral medication or injectable insulin to control the disease. The vast majority of those people (80 percent or more) are overweight; many of them obese, as obesity itself can cause insulin resistance.
Certain characteristics put people at a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. These include:
- A family history of the disease
- Obesity
- Prior history of developing diabetes while pregnant
- Being over the age of 40
- Being a member of one of the following ethnic groups:
African American
Native American
Latino American
Asian American
Pacific Islander
African Americans are 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes than the general population, with 25 percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 diagnosed with the disease.
Hispanic Americans are almost twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes, which affects 10.6 percent of that population group.
Native Americans are at a significantly increased risk for developing diabetes, and 12.2 percent of the population suffers from the disease. In some tribes, as many as 50 percent of its members have diabetes.
Of all the risk factors, weight is the most important, with more than 80 percent of diabetes sufferers classified as overweight.
Causes
Foot problems in persons with diabetes are usually the result of three primary factors: neuropathy, poor circulation, and decreased resistance to infection. Also, foot deformities and trauma play major roles in causing ulcerations and infections in the presence of neuropathy or poor circulation.
- Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
Your ability to detect sensations or vibration may be diminished. Neuropathy allows injuries to remain unnoticed and untreated for lengthy periods of time. It may cause burning or sharp pains in feet and interfere with your sleep. Ironically, painful neuropathy may occur in combination with a loss of sensation. Neuropathy can also affect the nerves that supply the muscles in your feet and legs. This 'motor neuropathy' can cause muscle weakness or loss of tone in the thighs, legs, and feet, and the development of hammertoes, bunions, and other foot deformities. - Poor Circulation
Persons with diabetes often have circulation disorders (peripheral vascular disease) that can cause cramping in the calf or buttocks when walking. The symptoms can progress to severe cramping or pain at rest, with associated color and temperature changes (the feet may turn bright red when hanging down and constantly feel cold). Also, the skin may become shiny, thinned and easily damaged. A reduction in hair growth and a thickening of the toenails might also be present.
Poor circulation, resulting in reduced blood flow to the feet, restricts delivery of oxygen and nutrients that are required for normal maintenance and repair. Healing of foot injuries, infection or ulceration is affected. Peripheral vascular bypass operations may avert lower extremity amputation. - Infection
Persons with diabetes are generally more prone to infections than non-diabetic people. Due to deficiencies in the ability of white blood cells to defend against invading bacteria, diabetics have more difficulty in dealing with and mounting an immune response to the infection.
Infections often worsen and may go undetected, especially in the presence of diabetic neuropathy or vascular disease. Often, the only sign of a developing infection is unexplained high blood sugar, even without fever. The combination of fever and high blood sugar often warns of a severe infection requiring hospitalization. Lesser degrees of infection are often treated on an outpatient basis.
Ulcers of the Foot
An ulceration or ulcer is usually a painless sore at the bottom of the foot or top of the toes, resulting from excessive pressure at that site. Ulcers frequently underlie a pre-existing corn or callus that was allowed to build up too thickly. Trauma from heat, cold, shoe pressure, or penetration by a sharp object are also potential causes. Neuropathy allows the lesions to develop because the normal warning sense of pain has been lost and they go unrecognized. Continued pressure or walking on the injured skin creates even further damage and the ulcer will worsen. The open sore will frequently become infected and may even penetrate to bone.
Treatment relies on early recognition of the ulceration by a podiatric surgeon, avoidance of weight bearing activities such as walking, avoidance of wearing "closed-in" shoes, and early intervention. Besides local wound care, dressings and antibiotics, other measures may be necessary to adequately relieve pressure on the area. When use of crutches, a wheelchair, or rest is not feasible, plaster casts, braces, healing sandals, or orthoses (special shoe inserts) can be used to protect the foot while it heals. If circulation is inadequate to allow healing, your podiatric surgeon may refer you to a vascular surgeon for appropriate evaluation and possible vascular reconstructive surgery.
Once an ulcer has healed, it is important to continue to see your podiatric surgeon regularly. Special footwear and inserts may be recommended to protect your feet and prevent new or recurrent lesions from developing.
The Role of Your Podiatric Physician
Because diabetes is a systemic disease affecting many different parts of the body, ideal case management requires a team approach. The podiatric physician, as an integral part of the treatment team, has documented success in the prevention of amputations. The key to amputation prevention in diabetic patients is early recognition and regular foot screenings, at least annually, from a podiatric physician.
In addition to these check ups, there are warning signs that you should be aware of so that they may be identified and called to the attention of the family physician or podiatrist. They include:
- Skin color changes
- Elevation in skin temperature
- Swelling of the foot or ankle
- Pain in the legs
- Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal
- Ingrown and fungal toenails
- Bleeding corns and calluses
- Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel
Foot Surgery in the Diabetic Patient
Realizing the potential danger of foot deformities in the diabetic patient, corrective foot surgery is an option when you are in generally good health and have good circulation. Most deformities progressively worsen over time as do the effects of neuropathy and vascular or circulatory disease. When foot deformities cannot be managed effectively with conservative care, surgery may be indicated.
Podiatric surgery is often "same day" surgery under local anesthesia to minimize potential complications. In some cases, such as in the presence of an active ulceration, hospitalization may be necessary to properly monitor your postoperative progress.
Surgery may also be required to heal an ulceration or to eradicate some infections, especially those involving the bone. Your cooperation is an important part of your care. You must guard against injury and provide the daily care necessary to maintain the health of your feet.
Footwear Guidelines
Shoes must always fit comfortably and have adequate width and depth for the toes. Leather shoes easily adapt to the shape of your feet and allow them to "breathe." Athletic shoes, jogging shoes and sneakers are usually excellent choices if they are well fitted and provide adequate cushioning. Your podiatric surgeon may recommend "extra depth" shoes, custom molded shoes to adapt to your particular needs, or orthoses to provide cushioning and support.
Always check your shoes for foreign objects or torn linings before putting them on. You should wear two or three pairs of shoes each day so that one pair is not worn for more than four to six hours. New shoes should be worn for only a few hours at a time, and you should take care to inspect your feet for any points of irritation.
Socks should be well fitted without seams or folds. They should not be so tight as to interfere with circulation. Well-padded socks can be very protective if there is an abundance of room in your shoes.
Avoid wearing open-toed shoes or sandals until you have discussed this with your podiatric surgeon. Above all else, do not walk with bare feet.
Footcare Guidelines
- Inspect your feet daily for blisters, bleeding, and lesions between your toes.
- Use a mirror to see the bottom of your foot and heel.
- Do not soak your feet unless the temperature of the water is lukewarm, not as hot as you can stand it. (95°-100° Fahrenheit).
- Avoid temperature extremes - do not use hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet.
- Wash your feet daily with warm, soapy water and dry them well, especially between the toes.
- Use a moisturizing cream or lotion daily, but avoid getting it between the toes.
- Do not use acids or chemical corn removers.
- Do not perform "bathroom surgery" on corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails.
- Trim your toenails carefully and file them gently. Have a podiatrist treat you regularly if you cannot trim them yourself without difficulty.
- Contact your podiatric surgeon immediately if your foot becomes swollen or is painful, or if redness occurs.
- Do not smoke.
- Learn all you can about diabetes and how it can affect your feet.
- Have regular foot examinations by your podiatric surgeon.
Diabetes Tips From The APMA
If You Have Diabetes Already . . . DO:
- Wash feet daily.
Using mild soap and lukewarm water, wash your feet in the mornings or before bed each evening. Dry carefully with a soft towel, especially between the toes, and dust your feet with talcum powder to wick away moisture. If the skin is dry, use a good moisturizing cream daily, but avoid getting it between the toes. - Inspect feet and toes daily.
Check your feet every day for cuts, bruises, sores or changes to the toenails, such as thickening or discoloration. If age or other factors hamper self-inspection, ask someone to help you, or use a mirror. - Lose weight.
People with diabetes are commonly overweight, which nearly doubles the risk of complications. - Wear thick, soft socks.
Socks made of an acrylic blend are well suited, but avoid mended socks or those with seams, which could rub to cause blisters or other skin injuries. - Stop smoking.
Tobacco can contribute to circulatory problems, which can be especially troublesome in patients with diabetes. - Cut toenails straight across.
Never cut into the corners, or taper, which could trigger an ingrown toenail. Use an emery board to gently file away sharp corners or snags. If your nails are hard to trim, ask your podiatrist for assistance. - Exercise.
As a means to keep weight down and improve circulation, walking is one of the best all-around exercises for the diabetic patient. Walking is also an excellent conditioner for your feet. Be sure to wear appropriate athletic shoes when exercising. Ask your podiatric physician what's best for you. - See your podiatric physician.
Regular checkups by your podiatric physician -- at least annually -- are the best way to ensure that your feet remain healthy. - Be properly measured and fitted every time you buy new shoes.
Shoes are of supreme importance to diabetes sufferers because poorly fitted shoes are involved in as many as half of the problems that lead to amputations. Because foot size and shape may change over time, everyone should have their feet measured by an experienced shoe fitter whenever they buy a new pair of shoes.
New shoes should be comfortable at the time they're purchased and should not require a "break-in" period, though it's a good idea to wear them for short periods of time at first. Shoes should have leather or canvas uppers, fit both the length and width of the foot, leave room for toes to wiggle freely, and be cushioned and sturdy. - Don't go barefoot.
Not even in your own home. Barefoot walking outside is particularly dangerous because of the possibility of cuts, falls, and infection. When at home, wear slippers. Never go barefoot. - Don't wear high heels, sandals, and shoes with pointed toes.
These types of footwear can put undue pressure on parts of the foot and contribute to bone and joint disorders, as well as diabetic ulcers. In addition, open toed shoes and sandals with straps between the first two toes should also be avoided. - Don't drink in excess.
Alcohol can contribute to neuropathy (nerve damage) which is one of the consequences of diabetes. Drinking can speed up the damage associated with the disease, deaden more nerves, and increase the possibility of overlooking a seemingly minor cut or injury. - Don't wear anything that is too tight around the legs.
Panty hose, panty girdles, thigh-highs or knee-highs can constrict circulation to your legs and feet. So can men's dress socks if the elastic is too tight. - Never try to remove calluses, corns or warts by yourself.
Commercial, over-the-counter preparations that remove warts or corns should be avoided because they can burn the skin and cause irreplaceable damage to the foot of a diabetic sufferer. Never try to cut calluses with a razor blade or any other instrument because the risk of cutting yourself is too high, and such wounds can often lead to more serious ulcers and lacerations. See your podiatric physician for assistance in these cases
The information above is provided by the American Podiatric Medical Association.