Understanding your diabetic patient

In 1987, it is quite evident that the diagnosis etiology, complications, and management of diabetes have come a long way since those days 65 years ago when the lifespan of an insulin-requiring diabetic was 1.2 years. There are exciting times ahead. Today, with the number of diabetics increasing and the problems multiplying, anyone caring for diabetics should have a general knowledge of all aspects of the disease and be able to participate in the total care of the diabetic. For example, the podiatrist should not confine diabetic care only to the foot, but should check blood sugars and blood pressures, take brief diabetic histories, suggest yearly eye examinations, and encourage adherence to diet, blood sugar control, exercise programs, and the avoidance of smoking. While great strides have been made in diabetic management particularly in the last decade, the ultimate cure is yet to be achieved and is the goal of the future.