Event Helps Increase Education and Awareness for Diabetics

Charles Mattocks, a chef and diabetic, Mary Washington Hospital on Thursday to talk about healthy eating. (SUZANNE CARR ROSSI / THE FREE LANCE STAR) Mary Washington Hospital hosted a “Diabetic You,” event that brought the local community for education and awareness, including diabetic patient Valerie Lewis. Although 62 year old Valerie Lewis has been aware she’s had diabetes since she was 24 years old, it has been now that Lewis has been contending with low energy levels and heavily reliant on medication. “Knowing you have diabetes and doing the right thing about it, is hard,” Lewis said, “I’ve only recently been doing what I shoulda to a T”.


Since diabetes affects 25.8 million people, Lewis is not alone. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Diabetes can cause very serious problem for the feet and lower extremity. To understand more about diabetic foot care, seek the help of chiropodist Marz Hardy, D.Ch., B.Sc., Podiatric Medicine of Academy Foot and Orthotics Clinics. Marz Hardy can assess any complications you might have and advise you on how to prevent new ones.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes damages blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. When damage occurs to nerves in the feet, they may be unable to send proper signaling to the peripheral nervous system, resulting in a condition known as neuropathy. Once a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is mandatory that the feet are well taken care of to avoid amputation.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their Hemoglobin A1C levels. This test allows the physician to know how well the blood sugar levels are being controlled during the past 3 months. It is important to keep the blood sugar levels in a normal range (70-110mg/dl). Visiting a podiatrist is highly recommended if the diabetic patient is experiencing any conditions involving his or her feet.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet. For diabetic patients, the risk of amputation and sepsis heightens if you do not seek medical treatment right away, especially involving the feet. Early treatment and routine foot inspection are keys to maintaining health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Toronto, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care.

PROFESSIONAL FOOT CLINIC

416-465-8737

Toronto, ON Chiropodist Academy Foot and Orthotic

752 BROADVIEW AVENUE Toronto, ON M4K 2P1 

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