As the population of Georgia ages, especially in popular retirement locations like Lake Lanier, health officials warn diabetics and those susceptible to diabetes to be aware of potential complications.
One of those complication is diabetic foot ulcers, or DFU's.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and Dr. Gary Gibbons with the South Shore Hospital Center for Wound Healing in Massachusetts encourages diabetics and pre-diabetics to learn the signs and symptoms of DFU's.
"Diabetic foot ulcers are any break in the skin, usually on the bottom of the foot," said Gibbons on the Afternoon News Wrap with Russell Brown. "Diabetics are at risk for this because they loose sensation they have in the muscles, so you see some deformity. They do have an increased association with diminishing circulation and actual wound healing."
Gibbons said if not treated early and aggressively, it likely would lead to the foot being amputated, or even death. Gibbons said about 73,000 foot amputations are performed each year because of complications with DFU's.
Gibbons said he thinks diet, exercise and access to health care are all factors in the increasing numbers of diabetes. He encouraged those with diabetes or pre-diabetes not to rely on pain, but to check their feet regularly, find a doctor that understands diabetes and be aware of the signs and symptoms of complications.
Saturday
July 5th, 2025
1:44PM
