Will I Be Losing a Body Part?

If you have ever had an elevated blood sugar level, you are at risk for foot complications.  The reason for this is that elevated blood sugar levels can lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that reduces the blood flow to your legs and feet (and less commonly the arms/hands).  The reduced blood flow can slow the healing of injuries.  When damage can’t fully heal, injuries can become permanent, or lead to more serious problems—such as infection or tissue death (gangrene).

Elevated blood sugar can also cause nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy.  When nerves in the feet become damaged, it can result in loss of sensation.  When you can’t feel your feet, injuries can occur without your knowledge (blisters, burns, cuts, etc.)

When an infection can’t be stopped, or damage to tissue cannot be repaired, amputation sometimes is necessary.  While only a small percentage of diabetics have amputations each year, it is very important to understand diabetes and how it can affect blood vessels and nerves—and how to protect yourself to ensure that you don’t end up with damage to your feet.

The best way to prevent amputation and other severe diabetes complications is to manage your blood sugar.

• Eat a healthy diet composed of protein, healthy carbohydrates (mostly veggies and some fruit) and healthy fats.
• Avoid juice, soda and other items that contain a lot of sugar.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes per day.
• Maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.
• Check your blood sugar levels regularly.
• Take your medications as directed by your doctor, while working with your doctor to improve your health through lifestyle changes so that you can become less dependent on that medication.

In addition…

• Quit smoking.
• Check your feet daily. Look for bruises, cuts, blisters, redness or discoloration.
• Periodically check your feet for sensation (light touch and warm/cold).
• Where clean dry socks that do not have elastic bands.
• Wiggle your toes and move your ankles frequently throughout the day to keep blood flowing.
• If sitting for long periods of time at a desk, be sure to keep your feet flat on the ground, rather than crossed under your chair, or resting on the sides of your feet or other odd positions.
• Report any problems, including unusual sensations, or loss of sensation, to your doctor right away.

For most diabetics, amputation can be avoided by successful management of blood sugar and daily care of your feet.

The Diabetic Manual program is designed to support the nutritional needs of diabetics and pre-diabetics.  This patented program includes a very detailed eating plan which is simple to follow.  It also includes dietary supplements that have been specifically formulated to support health in diabetics and pre-diabetics.

This program is based on the very successful clinical model offered exclusively through doctor’s offices, that has been used to enhance the health of tens of thousands of diabetics across the United States over the last two decades.