Man Up About Diabetes

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You know the stereotype: men never stop to ask for directions? Well, apparently when it comes to health concerns, men often don’t ask questions or bring suspicious symptoms to their doctors. One condition in particular that researchers have found this to be the case with is diabetes. June is Men’s Health Month and here at Texas Foot Specialists, we want to urge all of our male patients (and the women who love them!) to come forward and speak up about early warning signs of diabetes, a disease which can have a serious impact on the health of your feet.

See Something? Why Not Say Something?

Studies have shown that the primary reason men don’t speak up about signs of illness is fear of getting bad news. Ironically, holding back and delaying diagnosis and treatment is part of the reason that men live shorter and less healthy lives than women. 

Conducting regular self-exams on the feet can help detect problems in their earliest stages. Diabetes can result in neuropathy—loss of feeling in your feet—and also impede circulation. Some changes to be on the lookout for:

  • Changes in skin color
  • Wounds that seem very slow to heal
  • Loss of sensitivity to heat, cold, pain
  • Tripping more frequently and loss of balance
  • Swelling or bruising
  • Temperature changes in your feet
  • Growths or rashes

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential that you contact our Pasadena (281) 991-0600, Sugar Land (281) 242-4448 or Houston (713) 664-6677 office for an appointment as soon as possible. Our podiatrists, Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller will want to examine your feet and also get a complete medical history. The foot doctor may order other tests as well to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes or rule out other foot disorders that may have similar symptoms. 

If not managed, diabetes can lead to several other serious health issues including heart disease, kidney damage, erectile dysfunction, blindness and sleep apnea. The good news is that diabetes is manageable and the sooner it is diagnosed the easier it is to get under control. The first step is speaking up. So, don’t hesitate, contact us today and take care of your health.