Practical, protective foot health steps for people with diabetes
Healthy feet are essential for overall good health, no matter
your age, fitness level or physical challenges. For people with
diabetes, however, taking care of their feet is especially
vital. More than 60 percent of all non-traumatic lower-limb
amputations worldwide are related to complications from the
disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. A
recent study by the American Podiatric Medical Association
(APMA) indicates Hispanics with diabetes are particularly in
danger since more than 90 percent of those with the disease or
at risk for it have never seen a podiatrist as part of their
health care. “Regardless of ethnicity, foot ulcers and
infections are the leading cause of hospitalization among people
with diabetes, but most of those problems are largely
preventable,” says Dr. Joseph Caporusso, a podiatrist and
president of the APMA. It’s important for those with the disease
to ‘knock their socks off’ and receive regular foot ex