Blood Sugar and your FEET

Diabetes is a serious disease and affects an ever growing number of people in the United States. There is an even larger number of pre-diabetics in the United States who do not even know that they are at an increased risk of developing diabetes. These individuals have elevated blood sugars which are not high enough to put them in the category of Type 2 Diabetes, but they will probably develop it over the next ten years if no intervention for blood sugar control is implemented. Normal blood sugar is between 70-99 mg/dL, and for diabetics and healthy feet, blood sugars should range from 70-120 mg/dL. When levels exceed this range for long periods, nerve damage (neuropathy) and circulation (blood flow) problems can develop, the skin can open up and develop ulcers, the risk of infection increases due to impaired immunity, and healing is delayed. A combination of medication, exercise, a proper diet, reduction of stress, and other factors can be used to control the blood sugar and keep the feet healthy. If you are a diabetic with elevated blood sugars and foot problems, give us a call, 708-763-0580.