Outsmarting Diabetes

Our lives are surrounded by “smart” technology — smartphones, smart cars, and smart sensors. Now, today’s podiatrist is saving limbs and lives with smart medicine. Regular care from a podiatrist can help reduce amputation rates between 45 and 85 percent.

Of the more than 26 million people in the US with diabetes, about half will develop neuropathy, a loss of feeling in the lower extremities. This nerve damage means an open sore or injury on the foot may go unnoticed until it becomes infected, which can eventually lead to the need for partial or full amputation of the foot or lower leg. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation.

But today’s podiatrist is staying a step ahead, with cutting-edge technologies like 3-D printing and smart textiles to better monitor and address issues commonly faced by their patients with diabetes. For Diabetes Awareness Month, APMA has worked with Anna Marie Chwastiak, DPM, to produce an educational video for patients on some of the most interesting types of smart medicine.

From smart socks to smart cells, the video covers a range of medical advancements, and highlights both the physicians creating these innovative and life-saving tools as well as the patients benefiting from them.

With proper foot care from today’s podiatrist, you can manage the effects of diabetes on your feet. APMA encourages diabetes patients and those at risk for developing the disease to take a step in the right direction by having their feet regularly checked by a podiatrist. Podiatrists are the most qualified doctors to care for your feet, based on their education, training, and experience!

Call Dr. Wichman for a consultation if you or a loved one needs help managing diabetes.