Stay alert to symptoms of diabetes

Diabetes is the leading cause of nontraumatic, lowerlimb amputations in the United States. Nearly 21 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and of those, 3.2 are African Americans.

Considered high risk for type 2 diabetes, African Americans are almost three times more likely to require lower-limb amputations than their Caucasian counterparts. The California Podiatric Medical Association urges African Americans to take off their shoes at every doctor's visit so the physical can check the feet for signs of the disease.

The number of people with diabetes continues to grow. More than 6 million people are afflicted with the disease and don't know that they have it. Among African Americans, 13 percent have diabetes.

An early diagnosis is critical. The warning signs can often appear first in the feet. Check feet regularly for the following diabetes symptoms: numbness, redness, tingly sensations, burning sensations, loss of hair and/or cuts and scrapes that are slow to heal.

If any of these symptoms are present, visit a podiatric physician immediately. These doctors are foot and ankle specialists and are able to detect abnormalities in the foot that may lead to diseases like diabetes.

For more information about diabetes, call (800) 794-8988 or visit www.podiatrists.org.

This story is provided by the Californian Podiatric Medical Association.