American Diabetes Month takes place each November. However, at North Texas Foot & Ankle, we try to raise awareness about diabetes all year round.
In the United States, more than 25 million people are living with diabetes aand 79 million more are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Over time, if it’s not controlled, type 2 diabetes can cause serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and blindness. You may be at risk for type 2 diabetes if you:
Are age 45 or older
Are overweight
Have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
Are African American, Hispanic or Latino American, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
Have had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
Have had a baby with a birth weight of more than 9 pounds
Have high blood pressure or cholesterol
Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation. With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that’s too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection.
