November is National Diabetes Month, which is an important opportunity to raise awareness about this condition that affects a shocking 1 in 10 people in the U.S., including about 193,000 youth under 20 years old. Diabetes is a condition that results in abnormal blood glucose levels which could lead to damage in the heart, kidneys, eyes, skin, feet, and nerves. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, one important way to manage your symptoms and risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications is to learn these ABCs:
A is for A1C: A1C is a blood test that measures your average blood glucose level from the last 2-3 months. A normal A1C level is below 5.7%, and anything above 6.5% is considered diabetes. Knowing what your blood glucose levels have been is important in preventing complications.
B is for blood pressure: High blood pressure means your heart is needing to work harder and increases your risk of complications like stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly so that you can be consistent around your aimed goal.
C is for cholesterol: Cholesterol levels indicate how much fat is in your blood. They can be categorized into LDL (“bad” cholesterol that can clog blood vessels), HDL (“good” cholesterol that can protect your heart), and triglycerides, which can increase risk of heart attacks and strokes if high. A normal cholesterol level is considered to be under 200mg/dL, and many are told to aim for LDL levels that are below 100mg/dL to minimize risk of complications.
Knowledge is power
Knowing these numbers are important for keeping tabs on your overall health and can help you decrease issues related to your diabetes. It is important to have a team of physicians to help you manage your condition, including podiatrists who can help you prevent common complications like peripheral neuropathy and ulcers. Setting up regular podiatry appointments is a great way to keep these diabetic foot issues at bay.
Our podiatrists can help!
At New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers, our podiatrists perform comprehensive diabetic foot evaluations to help patients with diabetes. Dr. Daniel Margolin, Dr. Justin Donovan, and Dr. Alandra Greenlee are passionate about individualized foot and ankle care and are experienced in helping diabetic patients manage their foot care, creating custom orthotics, and performing wound care.
Need an evaluation or have questions about diabetic foot care? Contact our Oradell, NJ office at (201) 261-9445 to set up an in-office or telemedicine appointment today!
