Diabetics Advised Not To Wear Tight Shoes And Sandals

Dr. Richard Anthony, Senior Specialist and Head of Internal Medicine at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, has advised diabetics not to wear tight shoes or sandals. He said wearing of tight shoes and sandals could lead to swollen feet which could develop into foot ulcers. Dr. Anthony told the GNA in an interview on Thursday that it was also prudent for diabetes patients who have sores to see specialists at the hospitals for prompt attention since infections could lead to other complications. On lifestyle, Dr. Anthony suggested that people undertake constant exercise and avoid eating late at night and refrain from alcohol intake and smoking. Dr. Anthony saidt diabetics did not need any specialized diets rather they must eat everything in moderation in order not to compound their condition. He said there are two types of diabetes, one requires injection and often occurs in children, while the other type requires medication and mostly occurs in adults. Dr. Anthony spoke on �Pregnancy induced Diabetes� which often disappeared after delivery. He advised diabetes patients to be mindful of symptoms of low blood sugar such as excessive sweating, palpitation, dizziness, constant hunger, body shaking and weakness. Dr. Anthony said in such situations, the patient must take two cubes of sugar or a sugary beverage and report to the nearest health facility. He said some acute complications associated with the disease are coma, retinal detachment, cataract, strokes, heart attack, pain in the legs, kidney issues, prolonged diahorrea and claudication (reduced blood supply to the legs, muscles and the nerves. On the diabetic situation in the Region, Dr. Anthony said the region was recording high hospital attendance perhaps due to education and awareness on this medical condition, which according to him, could only be managed and not cured. He said there are active diabetes screening centres in most health facilities in the Region including those at the Kwesimintsin, Takoradi, Essikado and Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospitals.