A new study published in the journal Foot & Ankle International says that foot amputations due to diabetes have decreased.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008, 700,000 people had limb amputations. Limb amputations from diabetics account for 60% of all amputations.
Although the number of foot amputations has decreased in the United States, the number of diagnosed diabetics has increased dramatically. The number of people diagnosed has tripled from 5.6 million in 1980 to 26.9 million in 2010. By 2050, one in every three Americans will have diabetes.
In the new study, researchers looked at data from 2000 to 2010 Medicare claims of toe, feet, and leg amputations. The scientists found that the number of lower and upper leg amputations decreased 29% in the last decade. This information surprised researchers.
"The trend was so clear and obvious than I thought it would be," said lead author Dr. Phinit Phisitkul, an assistant clinical professor at the University of Iowa department of orthopedics and rehabilitation.
While total amputations decreased, partial toe amputations did however increase, by 24%. On a positive note, podiatric treatments for the foot and ankle increased by as much as 143% during the time frame.
Researchers are hesitant to say exactly why the number of amputations has declined, but they do believe that better foot and ankle care for diabetics has been influential in helping them manage and fend off complications.
"We do know that better foot and ankle treatment is part of it though," Phisitkul said.
We'll come right out and say it though- podiatrists have a huge role in managing the diabetic foot and ankle! We are proud to help save the lives and limbs of diabetics across the country and help them maintain a sense of normalcy in their lives. Diabetics who follow the instructions of their endocrinologists and podiatrists are likely to have fewer wounds, ulcers, or sores that require amputation.
Reference: Nature World News
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Exercises For Peripheral Neuropathy: Calf Stretch
Place one leg behind you with the toe pointed slightly inward. Take a large step forward with your opposite foot. With the front knee slightly bent lean forward, keeping your heel on the floor. You will feel a stretch in the calf of your back leg.
Hold 15-20 seconds for each leg.
Repeat: 3 repetitions each leg/2 times a day.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Hold 15-20 seconds for each leg.
Repeat: 3 repetitions each leg/2 times a day.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Bacon Quiche
Makes: 10 servings
Serving Size: 1/10 of pie
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
2 lean turkey bacon slices
1 1/2 cups egg substitute
2 eggs
1 cup reduced-fat, extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup 1 percent milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups fat-free cottage cheese (small curd)
2 tsp. olive oil
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cups sliced zucchini
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1 Tbsp. minced fresh chives
8 1/4 inch slices fresh tomato
Preparation
1. In a non-stick skillet, cook the turkey bacon slice on both sides until browned. Cut into pieces and set aside.
2. Beat together the egg substitute, eggs, cheese, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and cottage cheese.
3. In the same skillet you cooked the bacon, add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and saute for 2 minutes. Add the zucchini and saute for 3 minutes. Add in the basil and chives and cook for 1 minute. Add the vegetable mixture to the egg mixture and mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish. Top the quiche with the bacon pieces and arrange the fresh tomato slices over the top. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Lower the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 35 minutes or until the pie is set.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Serving Size: 1/10 of pie
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
2 lean turkey bacon slices
1 1/2 cups egg substitute
2 eggs
1 cup reduced-fat, extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup 1 percent milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups fat-free cottage cheese (small curd)
2 tsp. olive oil
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cups sliced zucchini
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1 Tbsp. minced fresh chives
8 1/4 inch slices fresh tomato
Preparation
1. In a non-stick skillet, cook the turkey bacon slice on both sides until browned. Cut into pieces and set aside.
2. Beat together the egg substitute, eggs, cheese, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and cottage cheese.
3. In the same skillet you cooked the bacon, add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and saute for 2 minutes. Add the zucchini and saute for 3 minutes. Add in the basil and chives and cook for 1 minute. Add the vegetable mixture to the egg mixture and mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish. Top the quiche with the bacon pieces and arrange the fresh tomato slices over the top. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Lower the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 35 minutes or until the pie is set.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Monday, August 12, 2013
More Diabetic Patients Reaching Goals
New data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, published in Diabetes Care, shows that efforts to control hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol in those with diabetes has made some improvement, but there is still plenty of room for more significant growth.
"The most impressive finding was the significant improvement in diabetes management over time across all groups," said the study's senior author, Catherine Cowie, director of the Diabetes Epidemiology at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in an NIH press release. "However, we see a lot of room for improvement for everyone, but particularly for younger people and some minority groups."
Data on the ABCs, A1C, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol was compared from 1988-1994 and 2007-2010 and improvements were found in all three parameters: A1C control increased from 43.1 percent to 52.5 percent, blood pressure control increased from 33.2 percent to 51.1 percent and LDL cholesterol control increased from 9.9 percent to 51.4 percent.
However, despite this improvements, 81.2 percent of patients did not meet all three goals.
The authors feel that the gains were made due to advances in glycemic control, hypertension, and lipid management. The large improvement in LDL cholesterol control is likely because of the availability and increased use of statins.
For the researchers, they found it particularly interesting that "younger people with diabetes were less likely to meet A1C and LDL goals and showed smaller improvements in meeting each ABC goal." They concluded: "As the US population ages and diabetes prevalence increases, it becomes increasingly urgent to find ways to overcome barriers to good diabetes management and deliver affordable, quality care so those with diabetes can live a longer and healthier life without serious diabetes complications."
Reference: Forbes
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
"The most impressive finding was the significant improvement in diabetes management over time across all groups," said the study's senior author, Catherine Cowie, director of the Diabetes Epidemiology at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in an NIH press release. "However, we see a lot of room for improvement for everyone, but particularly for younger people and some minority groups."
Data on the ABCs, A1C, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol was compared from 1988-1994 and 2007-2010 and improvements were found in all three parameters: A1C control increased from 43.1 percent to 52.5 percent, blood pressure control increased from 33.2 percent to 51.1 percent and LDL cholesterol control increased from 9.9 percent to 51.4 percent.
However, despite this improvements, 81.2 percent of patients did not meet all three goals.
The authors feel that the gains were made due to advances in glycemic control, hypertension, and lipid management. The large improvement in LDL cholesterol control is likely because of the availability and increased use of statins.
For the researchers, they found it particularly interesting that "younger people with diabetes were less likely to meet A1C and LDL goals and showed smaller improvements in meeting each ABC goal." They concluded: "As the US population ages and diabetes prevalence increases, it becomes increasingly urgent to find ways to overcome barriers to good diabetes management and deliver affordable, quality care so those with diabetes can live a longer and healthier life without serious diabetes complications."
Reference: Forbes
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Diabetic Recipe of the Week: All-American BBQ Sauce
Makes: 6 1/2 servings (makes 3/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp.)
Serving Size: 2 Tbsp.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. celery seeds
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. chili powder
1 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. liquid smoke
Preparation
1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, and cook over low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want a spicier sauce, add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Serving Size: 2 Tbsp.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutesIngredients
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. celery seeds
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. chili powder
1 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. liquid smoke
Preparation
1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, and cook over low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want a spicier sauce, add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Will Fish Oil Pills Cut Diabetes Risk?
New research from Harvard suggests that fish oil pills can help reduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Fish oil supplements, also known as omega-3 fatty acids, increase levels of a hormone called adiponectin,
which is tied to insulin sensitivity and in processes that affect metabolism, like blood sugar regulation and inflammation. High levels of this hormone in the blood stream have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
According to a 2007 survey by the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 37 percent of adults and 31 percent of children in the United States take fish oil supplements.
Jason Wu, from the Harvard School of Public Heath, and the study's lead author, said in a news release from the Endocrine Society, "While prior animal studies found fish oil increased circulating adiponectin, whether similar effects apply in humans is not established."
A "meta-analysis" of 14 trials was conducted, meaning researchers reviewed existing research and attempted to find patterns and similarities. The trials they studied in particular were randomized, placebo-controlled trials, a gold standard in research.
"By reviewing evidence from existing randomized clinical trials, we found that fish oil supplementation caused modest increases in adiponectin in the blood of humans," Wu said.
The new study included 682 people who took fish oil supplements and 641 who were given placebos like sunflower or olive oil. In those who received fish oil supplements, adiponectin levels increased 0.37 micrograms per milliliter of blood.
However, the effects of fish oil supplements varied in the studies used, and researchers suggested that omega-3 fatty acids would benefit certain groups of people more than others. They wrote that further research would be needed to determine which specific people would benefit from this supplement.
"Although higher levels of adiponectin in the bloodstream have been linked to lower risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease, whether fish oil influences glucose (blood sugar) metabolism and development of type 2 diabetes remains unclear," said Wu.
"However, results from our study suggest that higher intake of fish oil may moderately increase blood levels of adiponectin, and these results support benefits of fish oil consumption on glucose control and fat cell metabolism," he added.
No relationship has been made between fish oil supplements and decreased diabetes risk.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Fish oil supplements, also known as omega-3 fatty acids, increase levels of a hormone called adiponectin,
According to a 2007 survey by the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 37 percent of adults and 31 percent of children in the United States take fish oil supplements.
Jason Wu, from the Harvard School of Public Heath, and the study's lead author, said in a news release from the Endocrine Society, "While prior animal studies found fish oil increased circulating adiponectin, whether similar effects apply in humans is not established."
A "meta-analysis" of 14 trials was conducted, meaning researchers reviewed existing research and attempted to find patterns and similarities. The trials they studied in particular were randomized, placebo-controlled trials, a gold standard in research.
"By reviewing evidence from existing randomized clinical trials, we found that fish oil supplementation caused modest increases in adiponectin in the blood of humans," Wu said.
The new study included 682 people who took fish oil supplements and 641 who were given placebos like sunflower or olive oil. In those who received fish oil supplements, adiponectin levels increased 0.37 micrograms per milliliter of blood.
However, the effects of fish oil supplements varied in the studies used, and researchers suggested that omega-3 fatty acids would benefit certain groups of people more than others. They wrote that further research would be needed to determine which specific people would benefit from this supplement.
"Although higher levels of adiponectin in the bloodstream have been linked to lower risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease, whether fish oil influences glucose (blood sugar) metabolism and development of type 2 diabetes remains unclear," said Wu.
"However, results from our study suggest that higher intake of fish oil may moderately increase blood levels of adiponectin, and these results support benefits of fish oil consumption on glucose control and fat cell metabolism," he added.
No relationship has been made between fish oil supplements and decreased diabetes risk.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Chicken Soulvaki
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
2 cups coarsely shredded rotisserie-cooked chicken
1 medium English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1/2 cup finely diced sweet onion
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
4 small whole wheat pita breads (4-inch diameter), warmed or toasted
1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, stirred
Preparation
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cucumber, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Divide the chicken mixture among the pita breads. Top each sandwich with 2 Tbsp. of the Greek yogurt.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
2 cups coarsely shredded rotisserie-cooked chicken
1/2 cup finely diced sweet onion
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
4 small whole wheat pita breads (4-inch diameter), warmed or toasted
1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, stirred
Preparation
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cucumber, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Divide the chicken mixture among the pita breads. Top each sandwich with 2 Tbsp. of the Greek yogurt.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
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