12
NEWS
Staying young
MiFoot research: early results and
call to action to take part!
I would definitely
recommend it
to others
~ Paul Young
"Taking part in the
MiFoot research
study has given me
the information and
confidence to look after my diabetes,"
says Paul Young, 57, from Leicester.
Young is one of more than 100
people in England taking part in the
MiFoot study, which is sponsored
by the University of Leicester and
funded by the National Institute
for Health and Care Research and
Diabetes UK and is designed to
improve the heart health in people
with diabetes-related foot ulcers.
Over time, raised blood sugar levels
can damage the small blood vessels
that supply the nerves in the feet.
This makes it harder to feel cuts or
injuries, which can lead to ulcers.
Young was diagnosed with Type 2
diabetes in 2007. When he developed
a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), it had
a major impact on his life; not only
because of the pain, but also because
it stopped him from swimming,
something he really enjoyed. People
with Type 2 diabetes and foot ulcers
are also at higher risk of heart
problems, possibly due to being
less physically active, challenges in
managing their condition, damage
to the arteries or increased anxiety
or depression. However, healthcare
often focuses on treating ulcers
rather than preventing long-term
heart issues.
Feet and heart
The MiFoot study is evaluating a
new programme that combines
expert care with tailored education
and exercise support to improve
heart health. The study includes
group-based education and exercise
sessions, one-to-one sessions with
a healthcare professional and access
to an online platform designed to
support patients to live a healthy
lifestyle.
Young joined the study and has
since gained confidence in managing
his condition more effectively. He
said, "I have lost weight which is
definitely because of the support
from the research team. MiFoot
has given me the information and
confidence to look after my diabetes
and my foot. And I know there are
people who want to help if I am
ever struggling. I would definitely
recommend it to others."
The study is recruiting
participants at the Leicester Diabetes
Centre, which is based at Leicester
General Hospital, Kings College
London, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust and Salford
Royal NHS Foundation Trust.
To find out more and to take part,
CLICK HERE.