People with
diabetes who have foot ulcers are at increased risk for premature death, often
from heart attack or stroke, according to a new study.
The findings
stress the need for improved detection and management of diabetes and foot
ulcers caused by the condition, according to the researchers at St. George’s,
University of London.
Diabetes can
damage blood vessels and nerves, especially if a patient’s blood sugar is not
well controlled. Poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet make people less
likely to notice cuts or other injuries, which can turn into ulcers. In severe
cases, foot ulcers can lead to amputation of the foot or leg.
This analysis
of data from more than 17,000 diabetes patients in eight studies found that the
more than 3,000 patients with a history of foot ulcers had an extra 58 deaths
per 1,000 people each year than those without foot ulcers.
The study also
found that patients with foot ulcers had more cardiovascular risk factors, such
as high blood pressure, and that about half of the additional deaths among
these patients were due to cardiovascular causes, such as heart attack and
stroke.
Non-cardiovascular
deaths among people with diabetic foot ulcers are likely caused by infections
and complications such as blood poisoning, according to the authors of the
study, which is published in the November issue of the journal Diabetologia.
The results
highlight the importance of a two-pronged approach for people with diabetes,
the researchers said.
The first is
enhanced screening for foot ulcers, because early detection and treatment may
help reduce some of the complications of foot ulcers.
The second is
lowering cardiovascular risk factors in people with diabetes, study co-leader
Kausik Ray said in a university news release.
“Our results
warrant further investigation as to whether even greater control of risk
factors such as blood pressure, blood glucose and early preventive screening
can further reduce mortality among those with foot ulcers,” Ray said. “There is
likely an unmet potential to reduce deaths in this group.”
Although the study found an association between diabetic
foot ulcers and higher death risk, it did not prove a cause-and-effect
relationship.
Please
call Foot,
Ankle & Lower Leg Center office located in Las Vegas and the
Henderson area, which we have 3 locations to serve you. Call to schedule you appointment @702-878-2455
between 9am to 5pm, Monday thru Friday and closed for lunch between 1pm to 2pm. Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com where all of your questions may be answered and to
also schedule your appointment.
When pain or injury occurs, you deserve highly
personalized treatment using the most advanced techniques. At the Foot, Ankle &
Lower Leg Center (FallCenter), you’ll enjoy an unsurpassed level of
quality care. Dr.
Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr.
McLeod are proud to provide comprehensive solutions for all types of
foot and ankle problems.
Your quality care begins the minute you arrive, as our
staff greets you by name and answers your questions. Our team of foot and ankle specialists will
inspire your confidence and their genuine warmth and compassion will earn your
trust.
You’ll receive a prompt and thorough assessment,
including on-site diagnostic ultrasound and digital x-rays. Your treatment plan is designed to resolve
your condition without surgery whenever possible. When surgery is needed, your feet are in the
hands of leading physicians with expertise in the latest minimally invasive
techniques. As a result, you’ll be back
on your feet and back to your active life as quickly as possible.
Without proper
treatment, an injury or chronic condition can keep you from performing even the
simplest everyday tasks. To meet
patients’ most critical health needs, Dr.
Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr.
McLeod have developed the following “Center of Excellence” treatment
programs: Bunion Solutions, Heel Pain, Diabetic Foot Care and Sports
Performance Center.
No comments:
Post a Comment