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Diabetes and
foot care

Uncontrolled diabetes causes damage all over the body and can lead to nerve and circulatory damage to the feet and lower legs. In fact, about 73,000 amputations were performed in the U.S. in one year alone due to uncontrolled diabetes.
Dr. Hagen works closely with VMC’s certified diabetes educator Susan Smith, Ph.D. to help patients maintain healthy control of diabetes and avoid complications of the feet. Dr. Hagen is now accepting new patients.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
- Blurred vision
- Unusual thirst
- Frequent urination
- Slow-healing cuts
- Unexplained tiredness
- Rapid weight loss (Type 1 diabetes)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
If you experience more than one of these symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care provider.
Symptoms may occur rapidly with Type 1 diabetes; however, with Type 2 diabetes the onset is more insidious and may not be noticed.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
Through a blood test measuring your blood glucose level. Usually these tests are repeated to confirm the diagnosis.If you are diagnosed with diabetes, what should you do?
- Request a referral to a certified diabetes educator and/or a dietitian
- Obtain a prescription for a glucometer and testing supplies
- Begin to make lifestyle changes
- Begin an exercise program
- Decrease portion size
- Make healthy food choices
- Limit your intake of concentrated sweets
- Increase your fiber intake
- Test your blood sugar at varying times of
the day