Foot amputations an avoidable complication of diabetes

With the world facing an epidemic of Type 2 diabetes - in South Africa alone the incidence of this disease is soaring at an estimated rate of 11 per cent every year - it is increasingly critical that people understand the real implications of untreated diabetes.

Diabetes is a common, life-long physical condition which develops when the body does not produce, or properly use, insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a disease of lifestyle, with environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise being contributing factors in a patient with a genetic predisposition. However, despite a common perception, people do not die from diabetes, but rather from complications arising from diabetes. Foot problems are without a doubt one of the most serious complications of diabetes, but fortunately, they are also extremely preventable.

The Diabetic Foot Working Group (DFWG), an autonomous association which serves as the overall representative body of diabetic foot care in South Africa, is working hard to reduce lower limb amputation in diabetics from 80% to 40% over the next five years. The first Diabetic Foot Congress will be held in Johannesburg from 14 - 16 June. Organised by DFWG, the congress is aimed at increasing awareness of diabetic foot disease and identifying means to prevent what is one of the most preventable long-term complications of diabetes.

DFWG and the sponsors of the event want to help create an integrated care approach to diabetic foot disease. A strategy based on prevention with regular screening and education of patients at risk as well as staff could reduce amputation rates by between 49-85%. DFWG seeks to improve the quality of people's lives, and one integral way they can do this is by encouraging and educating people to take responsibility for their own health, to try and prevent diseases and, in the case of diabetes, to manage the symptoms and minimise their risk of developing serious complications.

For more information on diabetic foot disease, or on the Diabetic Foot Congress, visit www.dfwg.co.za