Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
Health & Fitness

Diabetes is leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations

Darpan News Desk, 12 May, 2016 02:22 PM
  • Diabetes is leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations

In British Columbia today, there is more than one amputation every day as a result of a diabetic foot ulcer. It is one too many considering they are largely preventable with proper care.

In recognition of World Foot Health Awareness Month this May, the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) has released a new report, Impact of offloading devices on the cost of diabetic foot ulcers in British Columbia, which addresses the benefits of public funding for offloading devices—specialized products such as total contact casts, custom braces and orthoses that relieve pressure on foot ulcers to help healing. The CDA estimates that increased government funding for such specialized devices could save the British Columbia health-care system $23 million a year.

“Amputation of a leg is considered by people with diabetes to be one of the most feared and debilitating consequences of diabetes,” says Dr. Jan Hux, chief science officer, CDA. “We know that devices that relieve pressure on foot ulcers reduce the risk of amputation. The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends that governments fund them to increase access.”

While these devices can reduce overall health-care spending, there is also a need for improved foot screening, education, access to diabetes supports and foot care specialists.

Since Victoria resident, Dr. Iain Forbes, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a medical student in 1967, he has lived a full life: a career as a family physician, marriage, raising three children, becoming a grandparent and travelling extensively. However, a few years ago, on a holiday in Vietnam, he tripped on a sidewalk and injured his foot. Three weeks later, he noticed a single black spot at the end of the big toe. Over the next months he had several toes removed, and eventually had to have the whole leg amputated.

“Issues with your feet can happen so fast that it’s important to act quickly. Time is of the essence,” says Dr. Forbes. Rick Blickstead, president and CEO, CDA, adds: “Working as partners, we can do more to help people with diabetes avoid ulcers and amputations. It’s an effort that’s definitely worth it.”

For more information, visit diabetes.ca/offloadingdevices.

MORE Health & Fitness ARTICLES

A Healthy Mouth Does A Body Good

A Healthy Mouth Does A Body Good

Oral health and its importance to your overall health Taking care of your teeth does plenty m...

A Healthy Mouth Does A Body Good

Hepatitis, the ABC’s

Hepatitis, the ABC’s
‘Hepatitis’ means inflammation of the liver. One of the ways the liver can become inflamed is when it is infected with a virus. Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types of viruses that cause hepatitis.

Hepatitis, the ABC’s

6 Things You Need for At-Home Fitness

6 Things You Need for At-Home Fitness

We’re racing toward the wet and chilly months of winter, so it’s probably a good time...

6 Things You Need for At-Home Fitness

Stay Fit, Stay H‘app’y

Stay Fit, Stay H‘app’y
We’ve listed the top-recommended and trending apps & gadgets in the health and fitness industry that can help you keep a track on your exercising goals.

Stay Fit, Stay H‘app’y

A Night-time Stroll

A Night-time Stroll
Sleepwalking is a behavioural sleep disorder most often affecting children. As its name suggests, sleepwalking involves walking around or performing other actions while sleeping.

A Night-time Stroll

A Couple's Guide to Infertility

A Couple's Guide to Infertility
Not many are aware that infertility is a common issue among couples in Canada. According to Infertility Awareness Association of Canada (IAAC), one in six Canadian couples struggles to conceive. This problem can range from being unable to conceive to having difficulties bearing children.

A Couple's Guide to Infertility