Diabetes in Hispanic Youth

A new study released by affiliates of the American Diabetes Association found that the number of Latino children and youth under the age of 20 years old diagnosed with diabetes is the growing at the highest rate of any ethnic group in the United States.
Type 1 diabetes is growing at an annual rate of 3 percent, with a 23 percent increase over the last 8 years in children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes increased 21 percent in America's youth between 2001-2009, according to the information from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study.
"Rates of diabetes among Hispanic kids have outpaced other groups both in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes- something we've never seen before and indicative of something we should take seriously," study author Dana Dabelea, MD, PhD, a professor at the University of Colorado in Denver said.
This isn't just limited to Hispanic youth either- one in ten Hispanics over the age of 20 have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Type 1, which used to be called juvenile diabetes, accounts for only 5 to 10% of all diagnosed diabetes cases. It is the result of when the body's immune system attacks and destroys its own insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand, accounts for 95 to 90% of all diabetes illnesses and was more common in people over the age of 40. Now Type 2 affects an individual if they are overweight or are not getting enough exercise no matter the age.
Elizabeth Mayers-Davis, a doctor and professor at the University of North Carolina told NBC Latino that, "these things (diet and exercise) reduce Type 2 diabetes and can be helpful in terms of managing diabetes. It's also important that your child has already been diagnosed with diabetes, you should work closely with a health care provider to optimize the health of their child."
38.2 percent of Hispanic children between 2 and 19 are overweight or obese, compared to 31.7 percent of all children. What is more alarming is that the National Council of La Raza predicts that one out of every two Latino children born in 2000 will be diagnosed with diabetes.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Related articles

• Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Teens
• 12 Ways To Never Get Diabetes: Part 1
• Hispanics and Diabetes
• 12 Ways to Never Get Diabetes: Part 2
• 12 Ways to Never Get Diabetes: Part 3

Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Ghoulish Pumpkin Mousse

Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
12 sugar free chocolate sandwich cookies
1 package (8 oz.) nonfat cream cheese
1/3 cup Splenda sugar blend
1 can (15 oz.) pureed pumpkin (not pie filling)
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 cups nonfat whipped topping
24 sugar free gummy worms
Preparation
1. In a food processor, process the cookies to form fine crumbs and set aside.
2. In a mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese and Splenda until creamy. Add the pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice, and mix well. Fold in the whipped topping. Spoon mousse evenly among eight dessert dishes.
3. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. of the cookie crumbs over each mousse. Decorate with gummy worms.

If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Diabetic Foot Ulcer Statistics

At any given moment, between 4 and 10% of diabetics have a diabetic foot ulcer. Over a lifetime of diabetes, more than a quarter of diabetic patients will have a diabetic foot ulcer. In high risk groups, more than half of the patients will get an ulcer once a year.
In 3-5% of cases, the ulcer will become serious enough that an amputation will need to be performed to save the limb or the patient's life. Approximately 80,000 amputations are performed every year because of diabetic foot ulcers. The number of amputations is staggering, but so are the costs as well:

• The cost to heal a simple diabetic foot ulcer is between $5,000-$6,000, assuming there is prompt treatment on the patient's part.
• Cost for patients with infected ulcers or peripheral arterial disease is nearly $21,000.
• Minor amputations, like a big toe, cost $23,000, while major amputations like below the knee cost $53,000. 
• Annual cost of diabetic foot ulcers in the United States is $12.5 billion.

With prompt, proper, and aggressive care, diabetic foot ulcers can be treated and heal. But delaying calling your podiatrist will increase your chances of infection, gangrene, and amputation. No one wants to live a life with fewer limbs. Follow your doctor's instructions about your diabetic care and you will have all your limbs all your life!
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

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• What is Peripheral Arterial Disease? Part 1

Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Peanut Butter Cookies

Serves: 30
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Ingredients
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and baking soda until well combined. Stir in the peanuts.
3. Place the dough by teaspoonfuls on a nonstick baking sheet and press down with a fork to form ridges. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until lightly browned.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Four Steps To Controlling Your Diabetes: Step 4

Get Routine Care
 See your healthcare team at least twice a year to find and treat any problems early.
At each visit make sure you have a:

• Blood pressure check
• Foot check
• Weight check
• Review of your self-care plan

Two times a year have an:

• A1C test. It may be checked more often if it is over 7.

Once a year be sure you have a:

• Cholesterol check
• Triglyceride test
• Complete foot exam
• Dental exam to check teeth and gums- tell your dentist you have diabetes.
• Dilated eye exam to check for eye problems
• Flu shot
• Urine and blood test to check for kidney problems.

At least once get a :

• Flu shot. 

If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Related articles

• 12 Ways To Never Get Diabetes: Part 1

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Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Moroccan Bean Soup

Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1 cup
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. ground coriander
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
2 cans (15 oz. each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4 cups low-fat, low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 tsp. harissa or hot chili pasta (optional)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Preparation
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and saute for 5 to 6 minutes. Add the cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper, and saute for 1 minute more.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and vegetable broth, and bring to boiling. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
3. Stir in the harissa, if using, and the lemon zest and juice. Remove the soup from the heat and serve.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

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Four Steps To Controlling Your Diabetes: Step 3

Managing Your Diabetes
Follow this self-care plan:

• Follow your diabetes meal plan. Eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, chicken or turkey without the skin, dry peas or beans, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese. Keep fish and meat portions to about 3 ounces. Bake, grill, or broil your meat. Eat foods that have less fat and salt. Eat foods with more fiber, such as whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta. 
• Get 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. 
• Stay at a healthy weight by using your meal plan and moving more.
• Ask for help if you feel down. Talk to someone who will listen- a counselor, a preacher, a friend or family member, or support group. 
• Learn to cope with your stress, which will raise your blood glucose level. 
• Stop smoking.
• Take your medicine even when you feel good. 
• Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Call a podiatrist right away if you find any sores that do not go away. 
• Brush your teeth and floss every day to avoid problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums. 
• Check your blood glucose. You may want to test it one or more times a day. 
• Check your blood pressure. 
• Report any changes in your eyesight. 

If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

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• 12 Ways To Never Get Diabetes: Part 1

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Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
2 lbs. sweet potatoes, cleaned and unpeeled
3 Tbsp. olive oil
3 Tbsp. light soy sauce

1 Tbsp. peeled, grated fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
Preparation
1. Place the sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to boiling and cook the sweet potatoes for about 30 minutes, just until tender. Drain the cooking water, rinse the sweet potatoes under cool running water, and drain again. Cut the sweet potatoes crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place the slices in a large glass baking dish.
2. Combine the remaining ingredients and pour over the sweet potatoes. Marinate the potatoes at room temperature for 30 minutes, turning the slices once. Drain the slices and reserve the marinade.
3. Prepare an outdoor grill. Coat a grill rack with cooking spray. Set the grill to medium high with the rack 4 to 6 inches from the heat source. Add the potato slices to the grill. Cook the slices for 1 minute. Flip the slices, brush with the reserved marinade, and grill for 1 minute more or until browned. Repeat until all the sweet potato slices are browned.

If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Four Steps To Controlling Your Diabetes: Part 2

Know Your Diabetic ABCs
Knowing how to manage your ABCs will help lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes problems.
A for the A1C test 
This test shows what your blood glucose has been over the last three months. The A1C goal for many people is below 7. High blood glucose can harm your heart and blood vessels, kidneys, feet, and eyes.
B for Blood Pressure
The goal for most people with diabetes is below 130/80. High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. It can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
C is for Cholesterol
The LDL goal for people with diabetes is below 100.
The HDL goal for people with diabetes is above 40.
The HDL goal for women with diabetes is about 50.
LDL, or "bad" cholesterol can build up and clog your blood vessels, and can cause a heart attack or stroke. HDL or good cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from your blood vessels.  
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Related articles

• 12 Ways To Never Get Diabetes: Part 1

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• Why Do My Feet Tingle? Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

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