Sturdy Memorial Offers Wound Management Tips for Diabetes Alert Day

Wound Management Services (WMS) at Sturdy Memorial Hospital recognizes the 25^th annual American Diabetes Alert Day Tuesday, March 26.

Sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the purpose of Diabetes Alert Day is to awaken the American public about the seriousness of the disease. Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, but seven million of those are not aware of their condition. Early diagnosis is critical for successful treatment and postponing or preventing its related complications such as heart and kidney disease, blindness, and amputation.

Chronic, nonhealing wounds, particularly in the feet, are more probable in diabetics than in nondiabetics for a number of reasons, including nerve damage and poor circulation. Wound Management Services physicians healed 65 diabetes-related wounds in 2012 alone. WMS staff recommends that diabetics take the following precautions to preventing wounds:

·         Ask your health care provider about special therapeutic shoes. Nerve damage can cause changes in the shape of your feet and toes. Poorly fitting shoes can chafe or irritate the skin, which can lead to wounds and infection.

·         Maintain skin moisture with a thin coat of plain petroleum jelly or unscented hand cream. Do not moisturize between your toes, as this extra moisture can lead to infection.

·         Keep calluses under control with a pumice stone. Use one every day on wet skin, and put lotion on the skin after you use the stone.

 If you notice that you have a wound, immediately contact your health care provider. Neglected wounds can result in infection, or in severe cases, amputation. Take preventive measures against wounds by maintaining control of your diabetes and your blood glucose levels, which will help you to fight infection.

Wound Management Services at Sturdy Memorial Hospital has a team of specially trained clinicians and support staff that can provide preventive and comprehensive medical care for diabetes-related wounds and sores. To learn more about WMS call 508-236-7600 or visit www.sturdymemorial.org.