LIVINGLIVING
AUTUMN FOOTCARE
News, information and tips for keeping
tootsies toasty as the temperatures drop. N
ews came recently
from the University
of Exeter Medical
School about the
discovery of a healing
molecule that could reduce the risk of
amputations for people with diabetes.
The molecule, which is part of the body's
tissue repair system, could help to treat
non-healing wounds and injuries, such
as occur in some people with diabetes.
A study led by the universities of Exeter
and Bath, and published in the journal
Antioxidants and Redox Signalling has
made great strides in understanding
how the molecule deoxyribose-1-
phosphate stimulates the formation of
new blood vessels. Dr Giordano Pula, of
the University of Exeter Medical School,
led the team. He says, "We're very
excited to provide new insights into how
this crucial molecule works to stimulate
the formation of blood vessels in people.
We now hope to be able to use this
knowledge to trigger the formation of
new blood vessels in patients
Dr Kotryna Temcinaite, Research
Communications Officer, at Diabetes
UK commented on this news saying,
"It's really important that we find new
treatments for foot problems in people
with diabetes, as doing so could help
prevent debilitating, devastating and
costly amputations. This study helps us
better understand how wounds heal,
and could help the development of new
treatments for diabetes foot problems in
the future."
Over at IDDT, the charity has also
produced a booklet called Diabetes -
Looking After Your Feet, designed to help
people to know what to look for and when