Foot "Hotspots" Can Be Hints of Ulcers

If your endocrinologist appointments go anything like mine,you've heard"Diabetics have to take special care of their feet!" about a hundred times. Although mostly associated with older or long-term diabetics, even young Type-1ers like me have to be careful.

Now, add even more support to that argument. New research is showing that by using an infrared thermometer, diabetics can check for "hotspots" on the bottom of our feet. Areas that are abnormally warm can be a sign of tissue breakdown, a precursor to ulcers. Finding the damaged tissue early and resting for a day or two can give the tissue time to heal before becoming a full-blown wound.

Insurance coverage is spotty, but more and more doctors are writing prescriptions for the $150 gadgets. Even more promising, new technology is being developed to function like a bathroom scale; stand on it every morning, and it will automatically test multiple locations and warn you of any high temps. Not only will this be easier than hand-held units, it will make it possible for the elderly or very overweight to check their feet as well.

I personally won't be purchasing one yet, but am glad that some very good medical minds are paying close attention to a very real, very dangerous long-term risk to us diabetics. If such a thermometer sounds like something you'd like, talk to your doctor! He or she will let you know if it's a good fit for you. And speaking of good fit, be sure to keep following the standard preventive care on your feet: where good-fitting shoes and regularly check your feet for redness, lumps, and cuts.