November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and Shore Medical Center’s Advanced Wound Care Center is reminding the community to be aware of diabetes-related wounds to help reduce diabetes-related wounds and amputations.
There are 34.2 million people in the United States currently living with diabetes. Diabetes-related wounds are a leading cause of limb loss, accounting for 65,000 amputations annually.
Early detection and specialized care from a Wound Care Center can reduce healing times and significantly reduce the risk of amputation.
Risk factors for diabetes include age, diet, activity level, obesity and heredity.
Factors that may increase the risks of developing a chronic wound, such as a diabetic foot ulcer, include high blood sugar levels, poor circulation, immune system issues and nerve damage.
The Shore Medical Center Advanced Wound Care Center recommends the following to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers:
- Stop smoking immediately
- Comprehensive foot examinations each time you visit your healthcare provider (at least four times a year)
- Examine your feet every day or have a family member inspect them
- Take good care of your feet and clean your toenails
- See your healthcare provider to care for corns and calluses
- Choose supportive, proper footwear (shoes and socks)
- Take steps to improve circulation such as eating healthier and exercising regularly
Contact the Shore Medical Center Advanced Wound Care Center to learn more about diabetic foot ulcers or if you have a wound that will not heal.
To schedule an appointment, please call 609-653-4526 or visit www.shoremedicalcenter.org.
