November is National Diabetes Awareness Month
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. The Wound Healing Center at Wood County Hospital is participating in the Healogics National Diabetes Campaign by educating the community on the relationship between diabetes and the increased risk of chronic wounds.
Approximately 29.1 million people living with diabetes in the United States, and nearly 28 percent are undiagnosed. Of those 29.1 million, about 25 percent will eventually develop a foot ulcer. If left untreated, these ulcers can impair quality of life and even lead to an amputation. Early detection and intervention can help reduce this risk.
Recommendations to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers:
- Stop smoking immediately
- Undergo comprehensive foot examinations each time you visit your healthcare provider
- Perform daily self-inspections of the feet or have a family member perform the inspection
- Choose proper, supportive footwear (shoes and socks)
- Take steps to improve circulation with healthy eating and regular exercise
Proper wound care is crucial in healing diabetic foot ulcers. The Wound Healing Center at Wood County Hospital offers state-of-the-art technology treatment options including hyperbaric oxygen therapy and specialized wound care therapies. These specialized treatments include casting for offloading, compression therapy cellular tissue placement and negative pressure wound vacs to aid in wound closure, new tissue growth, wound tissue regeneration and much more.
Contact The Wound Healing Center to learn about diabetic foot ulcers or if you have a wound that will not heal. To schedule an appointment, please call (419) 373-7680 or visit https://www.woodcountyhospital.org/medical-services/wound-healing-center