There are over 9 million Canadians today living with diabetes, and more likely than not, the chronic disease affects you or someone you know. With more people being diagnosed each hour, knowing if you are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes can help preserve the future of your health.

The main warning signs and symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes include:

• Weight gain or loss
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Extreme fatigue

Even if you aren’t experiencing the above symptoms, if you are over the age of 40, or if a parent or sibling in your family has diabetes, it’s important to get checked and tested by your physician as these factors increase your risk for developing the disease.

Unfortunately, diabetes causes your pancreas to not produce insulin, which helps break down food into energy throughout your body. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels result from the deficiency, which can take a major toll on your feet.

People with diabetes often experience foot complications that commonly include:

• Decreased circulation
• Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, where loss of feeling in the foot is experienced
• Slow healing foot wounds that can develop into ulcers
• Foot amputation as a possible result due to one or a combination of the above complications

How can you keep yourself protected from such problems? Although diabetes can cause serious and severe problems to your feet, the good news is that you can decrease your risk for developing these complications by managing your diabetes and blood sugar levels. Chiropodist Brian Cragg recommends incorporating these simple health tips into your life to prevent diabetic foot problems from affecting your life.

• Take care of your feet and check them regularly for abnormal changes
• Take your medication as prescribed
• Maintain a healthy meal plan
• Incorporate physical activity each day
• Don’t smoke
• Develop a management plan with your physician to keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels in check

Protect your future health by being aware of your risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes! For more information, contact our office to set up an appointment with Brian.