Q. What other complications are associated with diabetes?
A. The complications of diabetes include heart disease or stroke, vision loss/blindness, amputations, kidney disease and extreme dry skin.  Because of circulatory problems, not getting enough blood to your extremities can cause nerve damage which can lead to lower limb amputations.                                                                            

Q. How Do You Prevent or Delay Diabetes?

A. It is possible to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by reducing lifestyle risk factors through moderate weight loss and increased physical activity.   Here are some ways to lower your health risks:

1. Keep your blood sugar level under control.
   Many people with diabetes check their blood sugar level several times a day to make sure that their medicines and diet and exercise are working to keep blood sugar in a normal range.

2. Lose weight
   Losing weight, even 10 pounds, can help lower your risks of health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Being overweight makes blood sugar harder to control.

3. Eat healthy.
   Modifying your diet is crucial if you are diabetic because your body cannot process sugar. There are many cookbooks available that contain low-fat, heart-healthy recipes and meal suggestions. If you need help figuring out how to change your diet, your doctor might refer you to a dietitian. A dietitian has special training in planning healthy diets.

4. Increase your physical activity.
   If you have changed your diet to lose weight, exercising can help you lose weight faster. Talk to your Doctor about an exercise plan that will work for you. Like eating a healthy diet, exercise will also help keep your blood sugar level normal and can lower your risk of heart disease.

5. Control your blood pressure.
   People with diabetes often have high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your risk for stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. Making the lifestyle changes listed above will lower your blood pressure. 

6. Stop smoking.
   Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases your risk of heart disease.  Talk to your Doctor about ways to quit.

Q. How often should I examine my feet?

A. You should examine your feet every day. Your doctor will examine your feet at every office visit.

Q. How come my feet are so dry?

A. Diabetes can cause your nerves in your feet to not work properly. Many diabetics have decreased perspiration, which leads to dry skin. Dry skin is more prone to break and become infected. Dry skin on your foot should be treated with a foot cream, at least once a day.

Q. Can I use cream or lotion between my toes?

A. Generally, it is best to avoid any excess moisture between your toes. This can lead to infection.

Q. How often should I use cream or lotion on my feet?

A. At least once a day, but twice a day is even better. Be sure to also treat your legs and calves, as they can also have poor blood flow.

Q. Can I use an over the counter remedy to remove warts or calluses?

A. Ask your doctor or podiatrist. Many of these products can be very irritating to the skin. Diabetics should have a trained professional remove corns or calluses.

Q. Why can’t I just use a hand cream on my feet?

A. Hand creams can be used for dry skin, but they don’t contain all of the special ingredients that ProNeema contains.  ProNeema contains extracts from the Neem Tree, which have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to prevent infections. Another ingredient, Arginine, helps to increase blood flow, allowing your body to nourish and repair the skin on your feet.  Simple foot creams do not have these ingredients, and are not designed to meet the needs of a diabetics foot.

Always check with your Doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your condition or treatment.