For Patients

It's time. Your family is your top priority. But if you have diabetes, neglecting your own health could result in serious complications in your feet, leading to amputation or even death. It's time to pay attention to your diabetes to ensure you can stay at the heart of your family.

“Asian Americans have an elevated risk of being diagnosed with diabetes,” said Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, chair of the APMA Communications Committee and a podiatric physician in practice in Maryland. “Combine that with a tendency to overlook self-care, and Asian women are a population at very high risk for serious complications from diabetes.”

There are simple steps that can help prevent complications of diabetes in your feet:

• It’s time to do a daily foot check. Look for minor injuries and changes to temperature, color, and even hair growth. If you notice a problem, see a podiatrist right away.
• It’s time to stop depending on home remedies. See a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and regular care.
• It’s time to take care at home. Removing your shoes when entering your home is customary, but it puts people with diabetes at significant risk. Wear slippers or other "house shoes" to protect your feet from injury.
• It’s time to cut back on comfort foods. Healthy food is medicine, and small changes can have a big impact for your diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar and see a primary care doctor regularly.
• It’s time to see a podiatrist for regular diabetic foot exams at least once a year. 

More information for people with diabetes: 

• An Overview: What is diabetes? What is peripheral neuropathy? What is a diabetic foot ulcer?
• How Diabetes Affects Your Health: Watch this short video to learn how diabetes can affect your overall health.
• How Diabetes Affects Your Feet: Check out this video on peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage in the feet, as a result of diabetes. 
• Diabetes Footwear and Products: View our podiatrist-approved products for managing and treating diabetes.
• Learn from our experts: APMA spokesperson Jane Andersen, DPM, joined the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists' podcast, The Huddle, speaking on the importance of diabetes care by a podiatrist. Listen here! APMA Trustee David Alper, DPM, shared his advice with a patient in an interview produced by the American Diabetes Association. 
• What the CDC Has to Say: Check out information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Taking Charge of Your Diabetes. 
• Join the Conversation: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to hear more about topics related to diabetes and foot health year-round. Don't forget to mention APMA or use the hashtag #ItsTime!

For APMA Members, Component Societies, and Affiliated Organizations

Individual members and practices can make use of the resources in our digital tool kit to promote their expertise and educate current and prospective patients. These downloadable resources include social media posts, a press release, logos, a physician referral letter, and a special edition of Footprints. Check back for more resources throughout the month of November.

Note: Members in New York should contact NYSPMA Executive Director Dan Kline for materials customized to your needs.

Access Digital Tool Kit

Additional Diabetes and Foot Health Resources

• American Diabetes Association
• Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• International Diabetes Federation
• LEAP Alliance