Mary Saved My Legs

Mary and Simon have been close friends throughout their entire lives. As children, they grew up next door to each other in an average suburb. They were very active children playing every sport imaginable and always supported one another through the years. As they grew older, their hobbies changed from running around the neighborhood to cooking, reading, and spending time with their families. Over time, their good lifestyle habits changed and both became slightly overweight. Still, Mary and Simon were the average Americans. Both had a slightly high cholesterol and blood pressure, but they were not obese nor did they feel their health was on a downhill spiral. At 55 years old, they both had large families, grandchildren and building up a good retirement plan.
Still living near one another, Mary and Simon met for lunch once a month. One day, Mary surprisingly ordered a salad rather than her typical burger and fries. Simon immediately asked what was going on! He didn’t even know a salad was on the menu! Mary had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few weeks earlier and her doctor informed her that she could no longer live her life the way she has been. She needed to control her diet and get on an exercise plan. If she fallowed his direction, Mary could stay off medication and live a full life. With the encouragement from her family, Mary joined the YMCA and started walking the track and is even thinking about signing up for an aerobics class. Her, along with her husband bought a few new receipt books and started to adjust their meals to a diabetic friendly diet. As she was explaining the changes in her life, Simon chuckled to himself. “Mary, I have had diabetes for a year now. I take my pill everyday and things are just fine.” Mary was appalled! “Simon, you have to take care of yourself. Don’t you watch the news? Diabetes ruins people’s lives!” Mary continued to try to encourage Simon to join her work outs and to try some new receipts, but Simon always insisted that life was good and he was going to enjoy it.
Five years later, Mary and Simon met on some unusual circumstances. An old high school friend died of a heart attack at 61 years old. At the funeral, they talked for hours about how unfortunate it was for their friend to die at such a young age. They found out he had a plethora of health issues that stemmed down to Diabetes. He had both of his legs amputated less than a year before his death. Mary, still not on any medications, was quite healthy. She had an excellent diet and works out every day with her husband. They took up several new hobbies that keeps them active and pay close attention to what they eat. She told Simon she has never felt better in her entire life. She can play with her grandchildren and enjoys life to fullest. She can’t imagine what her life would be like if she did not listen to her doctor’s advice and had the support from her family to make those tough changes in her life. Simon looked at her in amazement and questioned, “You are still on NO medications. Nothing!”
By then, Simon was having trouble keeping his blood sugar under control. He had been putting on more weight and was recently put on insulin. He still had high cholesterol and blood pressure. He went on to tell Mary about how much pain he experiences in his feet. It is tingling, numbing and just unbearable. He had no idea that their recently deceased friend had diabetes, or that you could lose your legs from the disease. He was very jealous of Mary. She was so happy and was actually enjoying life. He has a real hard time playing with his grandchildren and his own children are always harping on him to take care of himself. He always said he wanted to enjoy life and do what he wanted and ate what he wanted. He looked at Mary and said, “I could be enjoying life so much more if I would have listened to you five years ago.”
Mary had been waiting for Simon to realize this. She gave him her primary care doctor’s name along with her daughter’s phone number who practiced podiatric medicine. Simon and Mary schedule for him and his wife to come work out with them and take diabetic cooking classes at the local community center. It took a Simon awhile to change his lifestyle, but years later, Simon wrote Mary a thank you letter.
Dear Mary,
I realized today that you saved my life. My brother just lost both of his legs. He was diagnosed with diabetes a few years after me and did exactly what I did when I was diagnosed. Ignored the illness. With your help, I was able to make changes in my life that saved my legs and my life. Though I should have made those changes with you years earlier, I realize now that it is never too late to get control of your life. I still have my legs and my life. I owe that to you.
Love Simon
Mary later found out that Simon had been suffering from diabetic neuropathy. When he first went to Mary’s daughter, the podiatric physician, he already had an ulcer on his right foot. With her wound care training and his dedication to improve his life, Simon now lives a near normal life. He no longer has any feeling in his feet, and therefore, he must be especially cautious with his feet and must pay close attention to any changes. Since his has been controlling his diabetes and got on the right track with his health, it is much more unlikely that Simon will ever lose his legs. He visits both his primary care doctor and podiatric physician on a regular basis and follows their orders. Mary and Simon are now 75 and are enjoying their families and their retirement.
If you or a loved one has diabetes, it is never too late to save your legs and your life. The changes that need to made are hard, but they are necessary. Look to others to help you and support you. Make a plan, write it down, and share it with your family. It is your future, and you deserve to experience it.

The Risk Associated with the Diabetic Foot

Diabetes, a disease where the body does not produce its own insulin (Type I) or where the body improperly uses its own insulin (Type II), results in increased blood sugar levels. Seven percent of Americans or 20.8 million people in this country are living with diabetes. This is a life-long disease that can severely affect the body’s major organ systems, particularly the feet and ankles.

Oftentimes, symptoms of diabetes such as numbness and tingling first appear in the feet. This is due to decreased sensation called neuropathy. Poor circulation and increased infection rates are common among diabetics and this combined with neuropathy is a recipe for disaster in the lower extremities. A diabetic ulcer usually comes from a simple corn, callus or blister. This occurs due to increased friction on a bony prominence such as a hammertoe or bunion. Ulcers and infections can also result from unknowingly stepping on a sharp object such as a piece of glass or needle while walking barefoot. One may only discover this occurrence after noticing blood or pus draining from their feet. Ulcerations can lead to a raging infection and ultimately loss of a toe or toes, part of the foot or even the leg or legs.

Another complication of diabetes is Charcot Joint, which is found in diabetics with neuropathy. Charcot causes a complete collapse of the joints in the foot most commonly in the mid-foot area leading to a permanent foot deformity known as rocker-bottom. Those with Charcot are also prone to ulcerations and amputations from this deformity.

Early detection and prevention are key factors in effectively dealing with the diabetic foot. A simple comprehensive foot exam by a local podiatrist at least once or twice a year can identify problems early and dramatically decrease the amputation rate. A podiatrist is frequently the first physician to identify the initial signs and symptoms of diabetes.

Management and prevention of diabetic complications is a team effort of physicians and a compliant patient. It is important for diabetics to check their feet every day, never walk barefoot, wear comfortable shoes that are not too tight and check shoes for any foreign objects. Feet, ankles and lower legs should be well moisturized. The skin on the bottom of the feet and especially heels are prone to dryness and cracking. A thick cream with at least a 10-20% urea moisturizing agent instead of plain lotion is best for this area as the skin is tougher and thicker on the soles of the feet. However, the area in between the toes should be kept dry. Fungus like warm, moist environments and fungal infections can occur with increased moisture in between the toes. Sock selection is also important. Seamless socks help prevent friction and skin irritation. White socks are preferred as any drainage or blood spots can become clearly visible immediately. Synthetic socks are also better at wicking away moisture keeping the area in between the toes dry. Those with thick fungal nails should have a podiatrist cut their toenails to prevent cuts and bruises that can ultimately lead to ulcers and amputations.

If you are diabetic and notice any changes in your feet or ankles such as bleeding, a callus, or ulcer, it is imperative that you seek treatment from your local podiatrist immediately to avoid a serious infection and possible amputation.

Is Athlete's Feet Serious?

Most people do not worry if they have a little athlete's foot since they don't feel it is a serious problem. On the contrary, athlete's feet is serious and especially serious if you a diabetic. Athelete's foot is caused by a fungus and if left untreated can lead to a more serious bacterial infection.

The fungus in athlete's foot loves warm, dark and moist areas. So you are more likely to get an athlete's foot infection if your feet perspire excessively or if you are around wet areas like a swimming pool. In addition, it can be contracted in your home by other people and even your pets. The fungus can be picked up from infected skin that has shed onto floors, mats, bed linens, and other surgaces as well as by direct contact.

Athlete's foot causes small breaks in the skin that can allow bacteria to spread. This can lead to a very serious infection called cellulitis, which is an infection of the skin. Cellulitis spreads eaily to the lymph nodes and bloodstream. If left untreated, this condition can be life-threatening.

Athlete's foot can also lead to fungal infections of the toenails, which can be difficult to treat.

Mild cases of athlete's feet can be treated with over-the-counter remedies but if you are a diabetic you should see a podiatrist. Diabetics are more prone to infection and it is best to treat any foot problem immediately and appropriately. 25% of all hospital admissions for diabetics are foot related. More serious types of athlete's feet require stronger forms of treatment. The podiatrist can prescribe stronger anti-fungals and teach you how to prevent these problems from reoccuring.