An easier way for diabetic Veterans to check their feet

Maria Akpotu believed that Veterans needed an easy-to-use tool that allows them to check their extremities daily.

She researched the trend of limb amputations in Veterans. Consequently, she found that Veterans were four times more likely to have limb amputations than the general population. The risk was even higher for diabetic Veterans and those with mobility issues.

Monitoring means looking for any changes to the extremities.

Nurse Maria Akpotu

As a result, Akpotu created the Project Comprehensive Diabetic Footcare Bundle at the Memphis VA. The goal was to help Veterans detect early changes in their feet and extremities so they can report those changes promptly to get treatment to prevent loss of limbs.

The project expects to reduce the care cost from diabetic foot complications and reduce the number of associated hospital visits.

Akpotu discussed her plan with her son and daughter and asked them to help her find a tool that would enable Veterans with mobility issues to monitor their limbs without having to bend over.

With their assistance, she found a solution. Akpotu purchased several handheld telescopic, expandable flexible lighted mirrors. These mirrors allow patients with limited mobility to monitor their limbs without being in a compromising position.

She also developed a simple education pamphlet to teach diabetic Veterans and staff proper self-care.

“By putting this tool in the hands of Veterans and their families, we can give control of self-care to them,” Akpotu said. “Early detection is key. With this tool, we can achieve a reduction in emotional, physical and financial costs to the VA, Veterans and their families. I have done everything in my power to provide my patients and their caregivers with the tools they need to educate, motivate and empower each other.”

What does a diabetic see on their feet that indicates a problem?

The answer? Anything unusual. Report changes to your doctor right away.

Ingrown toenails

Changes include:

• Pain and redness (infection)
• Discoloration (poor circulation, feeling too cold or too hot in your feet, deep tissue injuries)
• No feeling, no sensation, numbness or tingling (neuropathy)
• Wounds (cuts, scrapes, blisters, corns, calluses, bunions)
• Tightness (swelling)
• Ingrown toenails

Staff at the Memphis VA Medical Center implemented the project. Akpotu is seeking funding for her project through the VHA Innovators Network to expand it throughout the Veterans Health Administration.

The goal is prevention

Veterans with diabetes can prevent small issues from getting worse by:

• Using a hand-held, telescopic mirror to check their feet daily
• Checking between the toes and the soles of the feet daily
• Washing feet daily with soap and water
• Drying feet well, especially between the toes
• Filing toenails. Do not clip the nails or use a razor to trim them
• Reporting immediately any lesion, wound, discoloration, swelling, pain, redness or other change from normal to a doctor

Akpotu has been a registered nurse for over 40 years.

Willie Logan is a public affairs officer and Romeo Lucchesi is a public affairs specialist/videographer for the Memphis VA Medical Center.