Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases affecting Americans. The
American Diabetes Association
reports 23.6 million people in the US have Diabetes Mellitus which is 7.8% of the population. Common complications which can occur from diabetes include vision problems, kidney disease and loss of feeling in the hands and feet as well as wounds to the bottom of the feet.
Frequent medical visits with
your podiatrist
are imperative to the prevention of lower extremity complications related to di
Below are some statistics that should be very eye opening to any diabetic patient and stress the importance for both tight blood sugar control and frequent visits with their health care providers.
Patients with Diabetes Mellitus:
- Males are two times more likely to suffer heart attack
- Females are four times more likely to suffer heart attack
- Risk of stroke is doubled for both men and women
- 45% of diabetics will experience neuropathy (painful burning in the feet and loss of feeling)
- 15-20% will develop a lower extremity wound of which 15% will require amputation
- If you have a below the knee amputation there is a 40% chance of amputation to the other leg
- If you have a below the knee amputation, you have a 50% mortality rate in 5 yrs