San Antonio has the second-highest death rate for diabetes among the 54 largest U.S. cities. Diabetes can damage nerves in your feet and cause neuropathy, a condition that makes it hard for you to feel injuries or sore spots. The disease can also change blood flow, making it harder for small problems, like a blister, to heal properly. Even minor injuries can quickly become serious infections that can send you to the hospital. 

The Wound Center at Northeast Baptist Hospital opened recently to help heal infections caused by diabetes. The center features four hyperbaric chambers, which are proven to help wounds heal faster. World-renowned wound care specialist Jayesh Shah, M.D. is the Medical Director of the Wound Center at Northeast Baptist.

Go to bhswound.com or call 297-7005 to make a same day appointment. 

Saving limbs - Saving lives

by Dr. Jayesh Shah ,MD,CWS

Non-healing wounds are very common in diabetics. Twenty percent of hospital admissions of diabetics are because of lower limb problems. The incidence of amputation is six per 1,000. From 1993 – 1999, approximately 67,000 amputations were performed yearly among people with diabetes. The risk of Lower-extremity amputation in people with diabetes is 15 times higher than that of non – diabetic persons and increases with age.  Read More...

Diabetes: Keeping Feet Healthy

• Inspect your feet daily for problems such as redness, blisters, cracks, dry skin, or numbness. Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet. Or, ask for help.
• Manage your diabetes. Monitor and control your blood sugar. Take all your medications as prescribed.
• Avoid walking barefoot, even indoors.
• Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap. Dry well, especially between toes.
• Don’t treat corns or calluses yourself. Talk to your doctor or podiatrist if you need assistance trimming your toenails.
• Use moisturizing cream or lotion if you have dry skin, but don’t use it between toes.
• Don’t use heating pads on your feet. If you have neuropathy, you could get a burn and not feel it.
• Stop smoking. Smoking restricts blood flow and can make it harder for wounds to heal.
• Have regular checkups. Foot problems can develop quickly. So be sure to follow your healthcare team’s schedule for regular checkups.
• Wear Proper Footwear. If areas of your feet have been damaged by too much pressure, your healthcare provider may recommend changing your footwear.
• Make Sure Shoes and Socks Fit. There shouldn’t be any rubbing when you walk. Wear the right shoe for any activity. Buy shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are larger. Make sure your socks fit, too. Wear soft, seamless, well-padded socks for activity. To protect your feet, avoid shoes that are open-toed or open-heeled.
• Get regular exercise. It improves blood flow in your feet. It also increases foot strength and flexibility.