How Do NASCAR and Diabetic Foot Care Go Together?

November is National Diabetes Month and the American Podiatric Medical Association's "Diabetes is a Family Affair" campaign is in full swing.  Information about Diabetic foot health can be found on television morning programs, magazines, and newspapers around the country.  Even NASCAR is getting involved.

 In honor of November's Diabetes Awareness Month, NASCAR driver Erik Darnell, who is managed by Hall of Fame Racing, will sport the Diabetes is a Family Affair  logo on the side of his #96 Ford Fusion race car throughout the month.

 The Diabetes is a Family Affair campaign encourages those with Diabetes to discuss the disease with their family.  Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions and is commonly passed down from parents to children.  If diabetes is detected and treated early, many complications, such as foot ulcers, can be avoided and may prevent a foot or leg amputation.

 Nearly 11% of people over age 20 have diabetes and that increases to 23% in those over 60.  60-70% of those with diabetes have some form of nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, which increases the chances for amputation.  Diabetes accounts for 60% of non-traumatic lower extremity amputation and if one limb is amputated, there is a 50% chance that the other limb will be amputated.

Every person with diabetes should have a strong association with a podiatrist.  Recognizing risk factors early will prevent future diabetic concerns.  In fact, a comprehensive foot care program can reduce amputation rates by 45-85%.  To learn more about Diabetes and it's affect on the feet, visit our website.