The APMA recently described the U.S. Hispanic population as being at the center of a “perfect storm” for diabetes diagnoses. Contributors of type 2 diabetes include:

1. Genetics
2. Poor diet
3. Lack of exercise

Unfortunately Hispanics are at risk for all three, making them 66% more likely than non-Hispanic whites of becoming a diabetic. This news is especially important in Florida, where Hispanics are nearly one quarter of the population. Regardless of one’s racial makeup, the good news is that knocking your socks offmay be the answer!  The APMA campaign encourages those with diabetes to take the first step to avoid some of the most serious difficulties of diabetes: Get an annual foot exam from a podiatrist. By checking in with Dr. Vimal Reddy at least once a year, he will be able to examine your feet and watch for complications.  Some of the complications that can be prevented include:

• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Calluses
• Foot Ulcers
• Amputation

If every at risk individual had an annual foot exam, it could save the U.S. an estimated $3.5 billion each year—and it could save your foot.  There’s no better time than NOW to make an appointment with Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic in Jacksonville, FL for your yearly diabetic foot evaluation.