Native physician warns of diabetes disaster in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO – Think about shedding your leg or your foot. It’s a scary thought, however an unlucky widespread actuality for folks in Bexar County.

Docs are having to amputate and take away limbs on extra folks within the county due to issues with diabetes, a power illness afflicting greater than 13 % of individuals in Bexar County.

Carlos Aguilar, 57, got here dangerously near turning into an amputee a yr and a half in the past. Whereas taking a current stroll, he informed KSAT he doesn’t take his legs as a right.

“I’m very grateful. First to God, after which to the physician,” mentioned Aguilar.

In 2022, Aguilar developed an abscess on his toe. Because it continued to develop, his docs turned involved they’d need to amputate a part of his foot. However then, he sought a second opinion. That’s when he met Dr. Michael Sobolevsky, a podiatry specialist on the Texas Diabetes Institute.

Dr. Sobolevsky performed a number of medical procedures and surgical procedures on Aguilar, to take away the an infection on his foot.

“I washed it out…time and time once more,” defined Dr. Sobolevsky.

Whereas that was taking place, Aguilar modified his food plan and drugs. It took three months for his foot to heal.

Now, Aguilar continues to regulate his food plan and keep lively. He continues to shed pounds. His focus is on having fun with his future and spending time together with his kids and grandchildren– the result Dr. Sobolevsky desires but additionally is aware of, not everybody will get.

“I do suppose it’s a disaster. I don’t need to be amputating. My colleagues don’t need to be amputating. These are issues that may be averted,” mentioned Dr. Sobolevsky.

Dr. Sobolevsky mentioned folks with diabetes specifically should see a health care provider the second they discover a wound on their physique that received’t heal.

“Should you are available in sooner, amputation doesn’t need to be the choice. It’s preventable with excellent care,” mentioned Dr. Sobolevsky.

After his expertise, Aguilar desires everybody to hearken to their docs and never take well being dangers.

“I really feel good. I really feel actually good now,” mentioned Aguilar.

You may learn extra about diabetes care on the Texas Diabetes Institute, right here.

Watch Stephania Jimenez’s full dialog with Dr. Michael Sobolevsky beneath: