LIFEMASTERS PROVIDES TIPS TO PREVENT FOOT COMPLICATIONS
FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES
San Francisco, Calif., April 17, 2007 – In recognition of Foot Health Awareness Month, LifeMasters — a national leading provider of disease management programs and services — encourages diabetics to prevent foot complications by following a few simple steps to maintain healthy feet. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes affects more than 180 million people worldwide. Diabetics are more prone to foot complications, such as fungal infections, calluses, ulcers, foot deformities, and gangrene — which may include infection and may in some cases, lead to amputation.
“Diabetes causes a number of foot complications because of nerve damage (neuropathy) and decrease of blood flow to the foot,” said Mary Jane Osmick, M.D., medical director at LifeMasters. “Neuropathy causes loss of feeling in the feet, decreasing feeling and leading to a foot injury. Diabetes also causes damage to blood vessels in all parts of the body, including the legs and feet, and can lead to poor circulation. Many of these complications can, however, be prevented by managing blood sugar levels and caring for your feet appropriately.”
Dr. Osmick offers the following tips to maintain healthy feet:
LifeMasters Tips for Healthy Feet
- Most importantly - Control your blood sugar levels! Maintaining normal or near-normal blood sugar levels can reduce blood vessel and nerve damage that often lead to diabetic foot complications. If a wound or foot ulcer does occur, blood sugar control reduces the risk of an amputation. Other important things to do for your diabetes control include regular exercise, and proper meals. Also, make sure you know your A1c number (a test that measures average blood sugar over 3 months) and keep it below 7. Even better, keep it below 6.5. Monitor your blood sugars regularly, and work with your doctor to make sure you understand what you must do to keep your blood sugars under control.
- Use proper foot hygiene: Wash your feet daily with mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry very carefully between the toes to reduce moisture. Trim toenails along the shape of your toe and file the nails to avoid sharp edges. Do not try to remove or file calluses or corns yourself; visit a podiatrist (foot doctor).
- Check your feet daily: Check your feet daily for skin breaks, sores, cuts, bruises, and changes to the toenails (ingrown, coloring, etc.). If you cannot see under your feet, have a family member check them or use a mirror.
- Have an annual foot check with your doctor or podiatrist: Individuals with diabetes should get an annual foot screening from their healthcare provider (or more frequently, if needed) to check for signs of poor circulation, nerve damage, skin damages and potential deformities. Your doctor will examine your feet, and probably perform a monofilament test (a single strand plastic thread stroked on your feet) to see if you are developing nerve damage.
- Wear appropriate shoes: Make sure to wear shoes that fit well, and are not too tight. Tight shoes can cause pressure ulcers to develop. Avoid going barefoot, even in your own home, as it may increase your risk of injury to the foot. Wear clean cotton socks and change them daily.
About LifeMasters Supported SelfCare
LifeMasters Supported SelfCare, Inc. is a leading provider of disease management programs and services that create health partnerships among individuals, their physicians and payors. Its mission is to empower individuals to achieve and maintain optimal health. The programs improve quality of care for people with chronic illnesses, reduce chronic-disease costs for payors and provide decision-support tools for physicians. LifeMasters offers programs for individuals with diabetes, congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension and asthma (all of which are fully accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and URAC), cancer, metabolic syndrome and musculo-skeletal pain. LifeMasters’ programs are holistically focused, support co-morbidities such as depression and facilitate lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and weight loss. LifeMasters provides services to over 650,000 people throughout the nation.
Founded in 1994 by a physician, LifeMasters works with some of the nation’s leading health plans, employers, retirement systems and governmental organizations, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, and Presbyterian Health Services in New Mexico. More information about LifeMasters can be found a www.lifemasters.com or by calling 1-800-777-1307.
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