The World Health Organization sponsors World Health Day every year on April 7. This year’s theme is “Beat Diabetes.” It’s interesting to stop and think about why WHO – an organization that’s concerned itself with preventing, treating, and eradicating disease for 68 years – would focus on diabetes. What about AIDS, cancer, heart disease, hunger – surely those deserve more attention?
The truth is that diabetes is now emerging as a global epidemic. Physical inactivity and weight gain are conspiring to make diabetes the 7th leading cause of death worldwide by the year 2030, according to WHO.
That’s kind of gloomy, so let’s turn it around and focus on the positive things we can do as doctors to help educate people about diabetes right here in our own corner of the world, the Montgomery tri-county area.
About 10% of all diabetics suffer from Type 1 diabetes, which is an inability to produce the hormone insulin. There’s nothing you can do to prevent this condition. However, Type 2 diabetes is quite preventable. This is the type in which the body makes insulin but isn’t able to use it properly.
There are a handful of simple ways to manage insulin levels and ward off the onset of Type 2 diabetes:
remain active – at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day
- maintain a healthy weight
- don’t smoke
Diabetes and Your Feet
At Montgomery Foot Care Specialists, our podiatrists are deeply caring of our patients with either type of diabetes. Dr. Michael L. Rosenberg and Dr. Heidi M. Christie are well-trained in the care of the diabetic foot. They know that their patients with diabetes also run the risk of circulation problems, which in turn increase the chances of complications with:
The World Health Organization is smart to focus World Health Day 2016 on this debilitating and growing disease. We’re ready to join them in the fight to educate people about the prevention of diabetes. Those who do have it can count on our qualified podiatrists to treat them and their feet with expertise, care, and respect. Call us with your questions or concerns at (334) 396-3668, or make an appointment online.