World Diabetes Day - Wrong shoes dangerous for diabetics
It’s World Diabetes Day and here is my support for the day, although it’s not quite genetics based but it’s topical for me. One of my favorite fathers at my boys’ school is a diabetic and is having a really tough time with circulation problems. Today he let me know he will probably lose a toe … maybe more. He’s only in his late 30s and is a fit, healthy, happy guy.
Most people with Diabetes wear the wrong size of shoe - a mistake which could cost them a leg. It is a well known fact that one of the problems caused by diabetics is a decline of nerve sensation in toes and feet. This can mean small injuries such as blisters and cuts go unnoticed.
A Dundee University, Scotland study of 100 Diabetics found only 37 had well fitting shoes. This has prompted calls for the shoe industry to provide better shoes for Diabetics.
Please do visit my fellow b5 Science and Health colleague - Kendra at Diabetes Notes - she is awesome and is my ‘font of all knowledge’ on all things diabetic!
Elaine Warburton
Genetics and Health correspondent www.geneticsandhealth.com
Related Stories
POSTED IN: General Genetics and Health, Genetics Blogging, Genetics and Health Blog Carnivals, Genetics of Disease
.gif)
2 opinions for World Diabetes Day - Wrong shoes dangerous for diabetics
Irritable Sophie
Nov 14, 2007 at 10:45 pm
That’s a great heads-up - my Mum has diabetes and although I knew there were some dangers (eyesight etc) from uncontrolled diabetes I didn’t realise that foot problems were involved as well. I’ll have to read up on this.
Elaine
Dec 10, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Hi! Glad you enjoyed this. The knock-on effects of poorly controlled diabetes are devastating when they need not be. Elaine
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: