If you recently received a diabetes diagnosis, we want you to know that we are here for you. We understand that there are a lot of emotions that come when you talk with your doctor and return home. What’s next? Which habits must change? Will everything be okay?

While we don’t have all the answers, we do have expertise in caring for patients with this condition. Diabetes can impact the health of your feet and ankles. Here is how we can come in: we care about prevention and treatment; regular communication with our office can be life-saving and limb-saving.

The doctors at the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group want to share three things you should do after receiving a diagnosis:

Talk to someone

You may need to schedule a call with your best friend or go hug a loved one. It’s okay. Next, talk to your doctors about which care will be most helpful. We recommend adding a podiatrist to your care team. We can help you stay steps ahead of common complications that can impact your feet and ankles. Examples include diabetic foot ulcers and neuropathy.

Learn the basics

You don’t have to be a doctor to understand how to manage your diabetes. Thankfully, you have access to many resources. We are here to provide helpful material about everything from your blood sugar to poor circulation. One of the biggest things we want you to understand is the importance of maintaining a healthy blood sugar level.

Change your habits

Some things will have to change with your new diagnosis. If you smoke, please stop. Each smoking break is causing you harm. If your diet is filled with processed sugar and other unhealthy ingredients, it’s time to make a change. Lastly, find a way to get moving – walk around the neighborhood or join a water aerobics class.

Diabetes doesn’t mean that you must put aside great meals or fun vacations. With this condition, you will just have to add one more task to your day: managing your blood sugar. Together, we can care for your feet and ankles.

At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care complications, children’s foot problems, skin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.