As the seventh leading cause of death in the US, diabetes is a complicated disease with many risk factors including heredity, age, diet, inactivity and obesity. There are about 8.1 million Americans with diabetes who are unaware of their disease. Diabetes can also cause heart disease, stroke, lack of circulation and feeling in the lower limbs and other complications which can result in hard-to-heal wounds.
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“Our teams across the country work tirelessly every day to help heal as many people as they can by the best means available,” said Dr. D. Scott Covington, FACS, CHWS, Healogics chief medical officer. “With nearly half of our patients living with diabetes, Diabetes Awareness Month provides us the opportunity to highlight how the disease affects wound healing.”
“Approximately 29.1 million people are living with diabetes in the United States”
Since foot ulcers precede 85 percent of lower-extremity amputations, Healogics offers people living with diabetes the following tips to take care of their feet:
- Get comprehensive foot exams each time you visit your healthcare provider, at least four times a year
- Perform daily self-inspections of the feet or have a family member assist
- Clean toenails and take care of corns and calluses on a regular basis
- Choose supportive, proper footwear, like shoes and socks
- Improve circulation by eating healthy and exercising on a regular basis
- Stop smoking immediately
If you or someone you know has a wound that won’t heal, find a Wound Care Center near you to learn more about advanced wound care treatment options.
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