What’s Your Diabetes IQ?

Take our True/False Quiz to find out how much you know about diabetes and foot care.

  1. EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY HAS DIABETES, I DON’T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT IT.
    FALSE
    — Along with age and obesity, a family history of diabetes can increase your chances of developing diabetes.
  2. I CAN MANAGE MY DIABETES BY MYSELF.
    FALSE
    — Diabetes is a family affair. Everyone in the family should know about the disease and should be helping those with diabetes control it.
  3. AS LONG AS MY FEET DO NOT HURT, I DON’T NEED TO VISIT A PODIATRIST.
    FALSE
    — Diabetes can lead to loss of sensation or numbness of the extremities. You may not feel the pain, even if there is a significant problem. Any noticeable change in the feet such as redness, swelling, sores that don’t heal, loss of hair, or scaly skin may indicate a more serious problem.
  4. HAVING DIABETES MAKES FEET MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO COMMON INFECTIONS, SUCH AS ATHLETE’S FOOT AND FUNGAL TOENAILS.
    TRUE
    — People with diabetes have a decreased immune response, which can make common foot infections more prevalent.

Stay a step ahead

IN ADDITION TO REGULAR CHECKUPS WITH TODAY’S PODIATRIST, PEOPLE WITH DIABETES CAN REDUCE THEIR RISK OF COMPLICATIONS WITH THESE FOOT CARE TIPS:

  • Inspect your feet daily.
  • Choose thick, soft socks without seams that could rub or cause blisters.
  • Exercise daily.
  • Have new shoes properly measured and fitted.
  • Avoid going barefoot. Always protect your feet with the proper footwear and make sure both socks and shoes are comfortable and fit well.
  • See today’s podiatrist for treatment of calluses, corns or warts, rather than trying to treat these conditions yourself.
  • Trim toenails straight across, and never cut the cuticles. Seek immediate treatment for ingrown toenails, as they can lead to serious infection.
  • Keep your feet elevated while sitting.
  • Diabetes can be hereditary, so talk to your family members about monitoring blood sugar and foot health.

SUCCESSFULLY MANAGING DIABETES IS A TEAM EFFORT, AND TODAY’S PODIATRIST IS AN INTEGRAL PLAYER ON THAT TEAM!

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