The Amputation Prevention Center at Valley Presbyterian Hospital Shares Diabetes Info for American Diabetes Month

Each November the American Diabetes Association organizes health care providers nationwide to increase awareness on this growing disease with American Diabetes Month. The Amputation Prevention Center at Valley Presbyterian Hospital acknowledges their responsibility to the San Fernando Valley community to provide diabetes info during ADM and throughout the year.

One of the risks of un- or undertreated diabetes is losing a limb. Preserving a limb at risk for amputation is the singular focus of the Amputation Prevention Center. The APC at Valley Presbyterian Hospital is among a handful of facilities nationwide— and the only one in California — that brings together the interdisciplinary expertise of vascular and podiatric surgeons, limb salvage and wound management specialists. Housed in an 8,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, VPAC’s APC specialize in reducing the rate of amputations for diabetic patients with threatened limbs. In fact, this advanced treatment and interdisciplinary team approach means APC can save limbs in more than 90% of their patients.

Diabetes is a serious, common and costly disease – but it can be controlled.

Diabetes is the number-one cause of lower limb amputation not related to trauma and is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, the number-one cause of death in this country. About 65% of people with diabetes die from cardiovascular disease. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of serious and life-threatening conditions. These include:

Cardiovascular disease and stroke

Diabetes affects the heart and blood vessels and may cause fatal complications such as coronary heart disease and stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in people with diabetes, accounting in most populations for 50% or more of all diabetes fatalities, as well as disability resulting from stroke.

Nerve damage (Neuropathy)

Neuropathy is the result of prolonged high blood glucose levels. Called Diabetic Neuropathy, this condition can lead to a combination of pain, tingling or numbness, particularly in the lower legs and feet. This may ultimately lead to ulceration and amputation of the toes, feet and lower limbs. Loss of feeling is a particular risk because it can allow minor foot injuries to escape notice and treatment, leading to major infections and amputation.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD):

Diabetes leads to the blood vessels of the feet and legs being narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits reducing blood flow to the lower legs and feet. Like neuropathy, PAD can cause pain and numbness and increases the risk of infection in the affected limbs. PAD can also lead to gangrene and most seriously, amputation.

As a result of these conditions, diabetic patients may experience decreased sensitivity to pain or temperature and slower wound healing times. Minor injuries can therefore develop into major infections.

Routine health care is particularly important for diabetic patients. With regular care, patients can avoid many of the most serious complications of diabetes. Diabetics should see their health care team at least twice a year to find and treat any problems early.

On a daily basis, diabetics should:

• Wash their feet with warm water and soap. Check the water temperature with hand or wrist prior.

• Dry feet gently and thoroughly with a soft towel.

• Inspect the top, bottom and sides of feet for bruises, cuts, rashes, blisters or ingrown toenails. Use of a mirror or having a family member help is recommended.

• Choose shoes that allow feet and toes room and avoid rubbing.

At each visit with their doctor diabetics must be sure to have a:

• Blood pressure check

• Foot check

• Weight check

• Review of diet and exercise plan and glucose levels

Two times each year diabetics should have a:

• A1C test. The A1C test shows what the blood glucose has been over the previous three months. It may be checked more often if it is over 7 percent.

Once each year diabetics should have a:

• Cholesterol test

• Triglyceride test — a type of blood fat

• Complete foot exam

• Dental exam to check teeth and gums —the dentist should be aware the patient has diabetes

• Dilated eye exam to check for eye problems

• Flu shot

• Urine and a blood test to check for kidney problems

• Pneumonia shot

To avoid the complications of heart disease and stroke, diabetics should follow the same health care guidelines as other patients with life-threatening heart and brain disorders below:

• Eat a “hearth healthy” diet

· Make physical activity routine.

• Reach and maintain a healthy body weight.

• Quit smoking. Diabetics should ask their doctor to help you find ways to quit smoking if necessary

• Ask their doctor whether you should take aspirin.

• Get prompt treatment for transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).

Education is an important part of managing diabetes. For further information, contact or visit these health resources:

American Diabetes Association

1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383)

www.diabetes.org

American Heart Association,

American Stroke Association

1-888-4-STROKE

www.strokeassociation.org

Vascular Disease Foundation

888.833.4463

www.vdf.org

Neuropathy Association

212.692.0662

www.neuropathy.org

Valley Presbyterian Hospital

Community Diabetes Classes

To register, please call 818.902.2982

The Amputation Prevention Center at Valley Presbyterian Hospital is pleased to offer world class diabetes care to the San Fernando Valley Community and beyond. To contact the APC call 877.220.FOOT (3668) or see www.valleypres.org/apc.