People with diabetes who have foot ulcers are at increased risk for premature death, often from heart attack or stroke, according to a new study.
The findings stress the need for improved detection and management of diabetes and foot ulcers caused by the condition, according to the researchers at St. George’s, University of London.
Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, especially if a patient’s blood sugar is not well controlled. Poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet make people less likely to notice cuts or other injuries, which can turn into ulcers. In severe cases, foot ulcers can lead to amputation of the foot or leg.
The results highlight the importance of a two-pronged approach for people with diabetes, the researchers said.
The first is enhanced screening for foot ulcers, because early detection and treatment may help reduce some of the complications of foot ulcers.
The second is lowering cardiovascular risk factors in people with diabetes, study co-leader Kausik Ray said in a university news release.
“Our results warrant further investigation as to whether even greater control of risk factors such as blood pressure, blood glucose and early preventive screening can further reduce mortality among those with foot ulcers,” Ray said. “There is likely an unmet potential to reduce deaths in this group.”
Although the study found an association between diabetic foot ulcers and higher death risk, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.
Mr. Divabetic plays his nutrition game, Serve, Taste or Trash! with New Yorkers at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Central Park
TUNE IN: Free Diabetes ‘PINK FRIDAY’ Podcast Inspired by Nicki Minaj saluting Breast Cancer Survivors living with diabetes and raising awareness for Domestic Violence with guests: Connie Frazier RD, CDE, Kathy Gold RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller, Connie Elder, Mama Rose Marie and Leola C., from Grand Rapids, MI living with type 1 diabetes http://ning.it/PUQy9B
See Mr. Divabetic’s nutrition game, Serve, Taste or Trash! You must decide which one you’d serve, which one you’d taste and which one you’d trash.
Before you decide to “trash” a veggie for good, why not try to eat it raw? Raw veggies can be more appetizing than their cooked counterparts to people who aren’t crazy about vegetables. The flavors of raw veggies can be milder than those of cooked ones.
Look who’s on the red tomato carpet with Mr. Divabetic at Plus Night Out -NYC
Meet Mr. Divabetic on his quest to glamorize good health at the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Expo in Pittsburgh, PA and the Taking Control Of Your Diabetes Conferences & Health Fairs in San Diego, CA.
Tags: diabetes, foot care, foot ulcers, health headlines, health risks, new medical studies, proper foot care, women health
