Association makes effort to raise awareness of diabetes

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Daily Mail

According to a press release from the International Diabetes Association, every 30 seconds a lower limb is amputated, somewhere in the world, because of diabetes. To help promote foot care and reduce the number of amputations among people with diabetes, the National Diabetes Education Program and the American Podiatric Medical Association are partnering to promote World Diabetes Day.

The theme for 2005 is "Put Feet First: Prevent Amputations." The group's hope is that education and early identification of potential problems will help reduce the number of amputations.

Foot problems lead to more hospitalizations than any other of the many complications linked to diabetes. Diabetes accounts for 70 percent of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in the world. It is estimated that up to 85 percent of such amputations could be avoided with better diabetic foot care.

APMA spokesman Dr. Caparusso said that diabetes truly earned its nickname, the silent killer.

"A lot of people are first diagnosed with diabetes when they go to their podiatrist because of a wound or ulcer on their foot," Caparusso said. "The symptoms aren't obvious and until a problem develops they don't realize how serious it is."

Caparusso stressed that diabetics couldn't rely on feeling pain to alert them to problems. "Neuropathy, a lack of sensation, masks the problem," Caparusso said. "People often think if they're not in pain there isn't a problem but since diabetes causes a lack of sensation people need to be especially vigilant."

Caparusso said diabetics should check their feet on a daily basis and remove their shoes and have their doctor examine their feet every visit to the doctor's office. "Check your feet daily," Caparusso said. "Look for wounds and ulcers; temperature changes, if the foot is hotter or colder than normal; check for changes in the shape of the foot, the length and the width."

If any problems are found Caparusso says prompt medical attention is important. "Go to your podiatrist or your primary care physician as soon as possible," Caparusso said. "Make sure to let them know what you've found and what other concerns you have."

Caparusso said many people with diabetes feel they are sure to lose a leg to the disease, but that's not necessarily true.

"People need to be aware that they are responsible for their care," Caparusso said. "Prevention is the key. Amputation does not need to happen just because you have diabetes."