These patients are usually unable to feel pain in their feet due to peripheral nerve dysfunction, often associated with diabetes, and as such infections are left untreated to the point that they can lead to amputation or even cause death. (image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, August 4 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent study conducted at Soonchunhyang University Hospital revealed that fine dust, which has long been a major health issue and environmental hazard in South Korea, not only worsens respiratory diseases but also diabetic foot syndrome.
Professor Lee Young-gu of the Diabetes Center at Soonchunhyang University Hospital conducted an experiment in which laboratory mice with diabetes were exposed to fine dust, and announced the results on August 3.
Diabetic foot syndrome is often seen in diabetes sufferers who have developed infections in the nerves and blood vessels in their feet. These patients are usually unable to feel pain in their feet due to peripheral nerve dysfunction, often associated with diabetes, and as such infections are left untreated to the point that they can lead to amputation or even cause death.
Lee’s research team inflicted wounds in laboratory mice with and without diabetes, and observed the recovery rate of skin cells when they were exposed to fine dust. The results indicated that mice with diabetes had a slower recovery rate than those without diabetes.
Exposure to fine dust triggers infections that can delay the recovery process for damaged tissue.
“Fine dust and superfine particles are detrimental to anyone with severe respiratory diseases, and we have also discovered that these hazardous substances are harmful to diabetics,” said Professor Lee. “More research must be conducted at the national level to develop a treatment for diabetic foot, which is worsening due to high levels of fine dust.”
The results of the study will be published in the next issue of the ‘International Wound Journal’.
By Nonnie Kim (nkim@koreabizwire.com)
In June of 2015, it was discovered that I had type 2 diabetes. By the end of the month, I was given a prescription for Metformin. I stated the ADA diet and followed it completely for several weeks but was unable to get my blood sugar below 140. With no results to how for my hard work, I panicked and called my doctor. His response? Deal with it. I began to feel that something wasn’t right and do my own research. Then I found Rachel’s blog (google ” HOW I FREED MYSELF FROM THE DIABETES ” ) . I read it from cover to cover and I started the diet and by the next morning, my blood sugar was 100. Since then, I have a fasting reading between the mid 70s and 80s. My doctor was so surprised at the results that, the next week, he took me off the Metformin. I lost 30 pounds in the first month and lost more than 6 inches off my waist and I’m able to work out twice a day while still having lots of energy. The truth i.e can get off the drugs and help myself by trying natural methods