Outsmarting Diabetes
Our lives are surrounded by “smart” technology—smartphones, smart cars, and smart sensors. Now, today’s podiatrist is saving limbs and lives with smart medicine.
Of the more than 26 million people in the US with diabetes, about half will develop neuropathy, a loss of feeling in the lower extremities. This nerve damage means an open sore or injury on the foot may go unnoticed until it becomes infected, which can eventually lead to the need for partial or full amputation of the foot or lower leg. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation.
But today’s podiatrist is staying a step ahead, with cutting-edge technologies like 3-D printing and smart textiles to better monitor and address issues commonly faced by patients with diabetes. For Diabetes Awareness Month 2013, APMA worked with member Anna Marie Chwastiak, DPM, to produce educational videos for patients on some of the most interesting types of smart medicine.
With proper foot care from today’s podiatrist, you can manage the effects of diabetes on your feet. APMA encourages people with diabetes and those at risk for developing the disease to take a step in the right direction by having their feet checked regularly by a podiatrist. Podiatrists are the most qualified doctors to care for your feet, based on their education, training, and experience!
