AF&A Blog

It is almost here!  The preparations and general business are about to culminate in the few days we spend with family and friends for the holiday.  If you have been working hard to keep your diabetes in check, this time may prevent a few extra challenges to keep your blood sugars at the proper levels.  You don’t have to completely skip the fried turkey, jalapeño cornbread, or pecan pie.  Enjoy the holiday foods you like, just be sure to consume it in moderation and to check your blood sugars a little more frequently than usual.  As mentioned before, the American Diabetes Association is full of great information.  A few tips to navigate the holiday can be found at their website.

Once the hustle and bustle of the holidays fades away the management of your diabetes and blood sugars shouldn’t.  As you all know, there are many aspects to living with this condition and your podiatrist is an important part of your healthcare team.  Dr. Thomajan and the staff here at Austin Foot & Ankle Specialists want to remind you to make an appointment and come in for a foot assessment.  New ADA “2010 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes” recommend that anyone living with diabetes visit their podiatrist for a yearly assessment.  Keep an eye on your mailbox for more information about this in the next few weeks. 

Have a happy holiday and enjoy the season!

While many of you have done most of your Christmas present shopping, the procrastinators among us may still be waiting for those last minute deals. It is during this busy time of year that we may overlook the things important to our health while we hustle and bustle about. All of the additional tasks around the holiday mean we are on our feet a little more than usual and it is important to give them the proper rest and care. If someone on your gift list is living with diabetes, here are a few easy gift ideas that will go a long way in helping them manage their condition:

ADA membership – The American Diabetes Association website is full of helpful information about living with diabetes. The association works with research in prevention or management in order to provide credible information and help deliver services to people living with this disease. A yearly membership provides the individual with a monthly copy of the organizations magazine and links them to a network of thousands of individuals living with the same issues they face every day. As there are many facets and challenges to living with diabetes, this gift can go a long way.

Slippers – Neuropathy, or loss of feeling sensation, often becomes a problem for diabetics. While the lack of pain may sound better than the alternative, the inability to feel injuries can cause many more health issues. Slippers are something every diabetic should wear around the house to avoid these problems. A comfortable, solid slipper will help protect the feet and prevent trauma.

These are just a couple quick and easy ideas that will help your loved one though out the year. Remember to take care of those feet and have a happy holiday season!