Diabetic Resources and Information

Diabetes isn't just a disease, it's a way of life with more articulate lower extremity care, blood glucose monitors, diet, and everyday challenges. Getting help and support with diabetes resources can vastly help to manage your way of life. Support groups and educational programs are ready and waiting. Be sure to consult with your local physician and reach out to your community to become involved and receive guidance and provide support to others who have been affected by the disease. It can be a struggle at times, but you don't have to go through it alone. Take advantage of all of the diabetes resources that you have available to you, including the information below.

• ankle valgus and ankle varus - ankle valgus and ankle varus are conditions where the ankles roll in(valgus) or out(varus), compromising the stability and alignment of the body. Failure to treat ankle valgus and ankle varus can lead to chronic ankle instability including frequent sprains and progressive weakening of the ligaments.

• blood sugar - blood sugar or blood glucose is the amount of glucose or sugar present in the blood. The body naturally regulates blood glucose levels as a part of metabolic homeostasis.

• bunion - bunions are a deformity typically found on the big toe, described as an enlargement of tissue or bone around the joint.

• callus - calluses are areas of toughened skin that harden and thicken due to repeated irritation from friction and pressure.

• diabetes - diabetes is a family of metabolic diseases where an individual has high blood sugar, because the body does not produce enough insulin or the body does not respond to the insulin produced. High blood sugar produces symptoms of frequent urination, increased thirst and increased hunger.

• diabetes type 1 - diabetes mellitus T1DM or diabetes type 1 results from auto immune destruction of insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. The lack of insulin leads to increased glucose. Symptoms most frequent with type 1 diabetes are polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and weight loss.

• diabetes type 2 - NIDDM or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is found in diabetics resistant to insulin or with insulin deficiencies. This is in contrast to those with type 1 diabetes where there is an absolute deficiency of insulin due to self destruction of islet cells in the pancreas. Classic symptoms of type 2 diabetes are frequent urination, excess thirst and constant hunger. Obesity is considered to be the primary cause of diabetes type 2.

• edema - formerly known as dropsy or hydropsy, edema is an abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin or in cavities of the body. Common symptoms include swelling of the legs and the amount of swelling is dependent on the secretion or removal of fluid.

• foot trauma - resulting damage caused by injury to any part of the foot. Injuries can leave feet with mis-aligned bones, hammertoes, swelling, pain and many other conditions.

• gestational diabetes - also known as GDM, gestational diabetes is a condition in which women that were not previously diagnosed with diabetes exhibit high blood glucose levels during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Gestational diabetes is caused when the insulin receptors do not function properly, typically caused by pregnancy related factors such as the presence of human placental lactogen that interferes with insulin receptors leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

• hammer toes - hammertoes also known as contracted toe is a deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the second, third or fourth toe causing it to be permanently bent, resembling the shape of a hammer.

• heel pain - heel pain, especially when standing is caused by a variety of reasons such as lack of support, cushioning and Plantar Fasciitis. Insoles, orthotics or shoe inserts along with added depth shoes can help alleviate heel pain.

• insulin - insulin is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells from the pancreas. The primary function of insulin is to regulate carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body. Insulin causes cells in the liver, skeletal muscles and fat tissue to take up glucose from the blood.

• metatarsalgia - common foot problem that affects the joints and bones of the metatarsal foot bones or ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia is typically limited to the ball of the foot just behind the big toe causing symptoms of aching or pain in the ball of the foot, especially after standing, walking or even resting for extended periods of time.

• neuropathy - generally referred to as peripheral neuropathy, is a collection of disorders that occurs when nerves of the peripheral nervous system(nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord) are damaged, causing pain and numbness typically to the feet and hands. Neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic disorders and exposure to toxins, but the most common cause is diabetes.

• pes cavus - known as a high instep or high arches, pes cavus is a foot type where the sole of the foot is distinctly hollow when bearing weight, thus creating a high arch.

• pes planus - also called flat feet or fallen arches, is a medical condition where the arch of the foot collapses with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or nearly complete contact with the ground.

• plantar fasciitis - plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia or connective tissue on the sole of the foot. It is often caused by overuse of the plantar facia or arch tendon of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of foot pain and discomfort.