Put a Podiatrist on Your Diabetes Management Team
Diabetes is a serious disease and managing it takes time and effort. Controlling blood sugar levels, staying active and eating well – all are good health goals that will help keep diabetes in control.
But you can’t go it alone. Managing diabetes takes serious treatment from many resources including your primary care physician and many specialists. These form your diabetes management team that gives you the right treatment and guidance to control this disease and its complications.
Your Diabetes Management Team
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can have a serious effect on many parts of your body, including your feet. Make sure your diabetes management team consists of the right professionals to deal with this disease:
Primary care physician – coordinates your care and handles referrals.
Endocrinologist – helps to control your diabetes.
Pharmacist – keeps medications on track and counsels you on side effects and possible conflicts with over-the-counter drugs.
Ophthalmologist – monitors eye health when blood flow to the eyes may be hampered.
Vascular surgeon – manages complications like neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease.
Dentist – monitors teeth and gums with regular exams and cleanings to prevent gum disease.
Wait – there’s something missing – don’t forget to add a podiatrist to your team! A podiatrist experienced in the complications of diabetes is an essential part of your diabetes management team.
Podiatrists are uniquely qualified to treat all foot problems including complications from diabetes. Neuropathy caused by diabetes can reduce the sensation in your feet. Diabetes may also restrict the blood flow to the feet and legs. Together, these two problems may cause a small foot injury to go unnoticed and to heal improperly, easily escalating into a wound like an ulcer that may require surgery or even amputation.
Those with diabetes should come in for a complete foot exam at least twice a year.
Remember, it takes a team to help manage your diabetes! Be sure to add us to your team – we are here to help!
Put Us on Your Diabetes Management Team To Maintain Foot Health
The foot specialists at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center have extensive experience in treating all aspects of foot problems. Our team of doctors which consists of Dr. Robert Marra, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and Dr. Ryan Donegan is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. Many treatments and surgeries can be handled right in our offices. Please call us at (860) 741-3041 to make an appointment in one of our offices in Hartford County, conveniently located in Enfield, Windsor and South Windsor, CT.