Diabetics Need to Inspect Feet Daily: MD Podiatrist

When you think about diabetes, podiatry probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Still, a doctor at the Lawton Community Health Center said they’re an integral part of diabetes education and care. Dan Michaels, DPM, said they want to see diabetes patients early so they can prevent foot problems. “Prevention looks like daily maintenance, care, attention to detail,” Dr. Michaels said. “In reference to footwear, appropriate socks, things that matter as far as not being barefoot in their home, always having on some kind of shoe gear, whether it be outside or inside and hygiene.”

He said people with diabetes also need to inspect their feet daily. Dr. Michaels said diabetes control is the first thing he talks to them about. “If diabetes is out of control, it becomes an issue,” he said. “So managing diabetes is number one. Secondarily is the preventative aspect of it. Prevention is things that we discussed along numerous other things that we discuss when they come in and thirdly is early detection and treatment.”