Foot Ulcers A Problem For 15 In 100 Diabetics

Mon, 31 Oct 2011

A senior health expert in India has urged people with diabetes to take special care of their feet after revealing that 15 out of every 100 diabetics develop foot ulcers .

"We call it the rule of 15 and 50," Dr A K Das, senior health specialist and president of Diabetic Foot Society of India (DFSI), explained.

"Fifteen per cent of all diabetics develop ulcers in their feet. In 50 per cent of these cases, the infection gets out of hand. So much so, the limb has to be amputated. In the majority of cases, amputations are above the knee."

Speaking at the three-day annual conference of the DFSI in Ahmedabad, Dr Das said that contrary to what most people think, ulcers are a common problem for diabetics in India, and that 71 per cent of non-accident related limb amputations are caused by diabetes .

"This number is very high and diabetics of all strata - rich or poor - should be aware of this threat."

Dr Banshi Saboo, organizing chairman of the DFSI and Ahmedabad-based diabetologist, said that local research has revealed that over half (56 per cent) of diabetics develop neuropathy or loss of sensation in the nerves of their feet within five years of diagnosis.

"In many cases, we found that people had already developed neuropathy when they were diagnosed with diabetes. This is alarming and prevention is the only cure here," he added.

More than 500 doctors participated in the annual DFSI to learn about the challenges posed by diabetes in the form of chronic ulcers and resultant amputations, and discuss new ways tot tackle the growing problem.

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