Diabetic Foot Care Center

The father danced at his daughter's wedding when only months before, it was doubtful that he could escort her down the aisle. A policeman is barely limping after he lost a toe to infection and not the whole foot, as anticipated. Both suffered from serious circulatory problems resulting from their diabetes. Both credit expert foot care they received at the recently opened Diabetic Foot Care Center with their miraculous recoveries.

To prevent serious consequences of foot problems common to patients with diabetes, the Vascular Institute at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJ) has established a Diabetic Foot Care Center. The service offers comprehensive care of diabetic patients, including management of foot related conditions and preventive medicine through education.

A multi-disciplinary team of podiatrists, endocrinologists, nurses and vascular surgeons will address what Glenn Faust, MD, Co-Coordinator of the Center calls "one of the most frequent, yet controllable problems of people with diabetes: inadequate care of the feet, often leading to loss of limb. Diabetic neuropathy can compromise vision and lessen sensitivity in the feet. When that happens, patients can't see or feel damage, making them extremely vulnerable."

According to Harvey Katzeff, MD, Co-Coordinator of the Center and Chief of LIJ's Division of Endocrinology, "Everyone with diabetes should learn proper foot care. Along with their personal physicians, patients should be seen by a vascular specialist, endocrinologist and podiatrist."

The incidence of diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate" states Dr. Caprioli, Chief of Podiatry at LIJ. "There will be an estimated 18.5 million diabetics in the U.S. by the year 2000." As members of the American Association of Diabetes Educators, we are acutely aware of the consequences of this devastating disease." As podiatrists, we are constantly faced with the struggle to save feet and limbs from gangrene, ulceration and infection. By providing preventative medicine and patient education, diabetics can greatly reduce their risk for limb and foot amputation. Unfortunately, the effects of diabetes are multi-system and can not be completely controlled.

With a variety of specialists located at one site, there is no longer any need for multiple visits to different doctors. A support system is available for wound care treatment, and if needed, arrangements can be made for home nursing care. Additional information may be obtained by calling 718-470-8787 or 516-470-8787.