Diabetes has been called a disease of carbohydrate metabolism. For genetic, environmental or other reasons, the diabetic individual can no longer properly process sugars, a simple carbohydrate, out of the blood and into the tissues that need it. After detection of diabetes, initial treatment intervention focuses on changing the types of foods eaten to reduce the amount of simple sugars your body has to process. Exercise or some significant increase in physical activity increases your muscles' need for energy can helps the body to do eliminate excess sugars more efficiently. Altering the foods eaten and increasing activity can properly manage diabetes blood sugars in many individuals.
In many cases, medicines are prescribed to help keep blood sugars low. Just because you use oral medication doesn’t mean you should abandon eating better or exercising more. Your body is a very efficient machine and many of the problems that can manifest, especially in the kidneys, are attempts to keep the system functioning normally. We already mentioned how exercise helps clear sugars from your blood, but it also can improve your circulation. Blood flow through healthy vessels allows your body to properly supply the needs of your limbs and organs. When chronically high blood sugars harden these arteries, or lack of physical activity increases the chances of clots from slowed flow, the smallest vessels in the hands, feet, eyes, and kidneys are the first notice changes. That is why your yearly diabetic foot exam at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists focusing on the blood flow to your feet and the ability to feel stimuli. The loss of either or both of these systems in the feet greatly increases the risk of infection and life-threatening amputations.
Reevaluate the things you are doing to take care of your diabetes. If a daily walk or 20 minutes of exercise are not part of your daily routine, examine why. Foot pain can and should be addressed by a podiatric physician. Keeping you on your feet is a big part of what we do to keep diabetic individuals healthy.
Are You Looking For Diabetic Foot Care in Austin, TX?
If you are looking for diabetic foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.