(March 4, 2013) One of the most devastating outcomes of uncontrolled diabetes is the threat of losing a limb. Studies have shown that there is a critical link between regular foot exams and diabetes management. For persons with a diabetes diagnosis who participate in New York State’s Medicaid program, there has been a positive change in benefits that makes it possible to obtain services from podiatrists (foot specialists).
At the end of 2012, the Medicaid Redesign Team proposed that all Medicaid patients should have podiatric care. The benefit to persons with diabetes is significant.
According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 60 – 70% of the people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage that could result in foot problems. They also estimate the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $174 billion.
Every 30 seconds, a lower limb is lost to diabetes somewhere in the world. People with diabetes are more prone to develop foot infections, called foot ulcers, which can quickly result in amputation. Preventing amputation means knowing the main warning signs. Other common diabetes warning signs in the feet besides ulcers include:
- Redness
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Cold to touch
- Inflammation
- Change in shape
- Slow-healing cuts
The New York State Podiatric Medical Association recommends that if any of these symptoms are discovered to visit a podiatrist immediately. Including a podiatrist on the diabetes management team can significantly improve a patient’s ability to manage diabetes successfully.
For further information regarding New York State’s Medicaid program, visit www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/. To find a doctor in New York State, visit www.nyspma.org and click on the “find a podiatrist” button.
The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It is neither professional medical advice nor is it intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Without exception, the reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation, or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information in this article does not create a physician-patient relationship.