WDD 2005 - Moscow
PRESS RELEASE
Moscow, June 1 2005
Diabetes in Russia: millions of feet at risk of amputations
Millions of people in Russia are at risk of developing diabetic foot complications and having to face the possibility of amputation, international experts in diabetes and foot care warned today.
Speaking at the International Symposium on the diabetic foot in Moscow, Russia, representatives from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) and the Russian Diabetes Federation explained that diabetes often leads to complications, including foot infections that can lead to lower-limb amputations. They stated, however, that amputations can be prevented and mortality reduced if the right preventative measures are taken.
Diabetes has a life-threatening impact
Diabetes is a serious disease that is increasing dramatically everywhere. There are currently 194 million people with diabetes in the world and this figure is expected to increase to 333 million by 2025. Russia occupies third place in the ‘top 10’ of countries with the highest number of people with diabetes in the world. It is currently estimated that diabetes is present in approximately 9,613 million people, but that it is undiagnosed in probably more than 50% of cases. This is of great concern, as it makes people even more vulnerable to diabetes complications such as diabetic foot problems and amputations, due to a lack of management of their condition.
“The incidence rate of foot amputations lies between 4.2 and 6.4 per 1000 people with diabetes per year”, explained Prof Ivan Dedov. “What is more, the number of deaths due to diabetic foot problems and amputations should be recognized. Studies have shown that foot problems treated in traditional settings resulted in amputations in 50% of cases, and in death in 20% of cases.”
Every 30 seconds, a lower limb is lost to diabetes somewhere in the world
“In Russia, the high rate of amputations and death is mostly due to a lack of awareness on the part of people with diabetes and of healthcare professionals” said Prof Irina Gurieva. “In many cases, people who have a foot ulcer do not seek treatment, or do so when it is too late.” A recent study conducted by Jan Appelquist in Sweden showed that 40% of people with diabetes who had a foot ulcer had never consulted a doctor.
Amputations are life-threatening and may involve life-long dependence upon the help of others, inability to work and much misery. Foot problems and amputations are also one of the most costly complications of diabetes. In developed countries, foot problems account for up to 20% of the healthcare resources available for diabetes. In developing countries, it has been estimated that they may use up as much as 40% of the available resources.
Amputations are preventable
It is estimated that up to 70% of all lower-limb amputations in the world are related to diabetes. “Early detection and early intervention are key to improving outcomes for people with diabetic foot problems and to reducing the frightening amputations and mortality rates” said Prof Andrew J Boulton. “Clinical exams of the feet should be systematically performed in people with diabetes,” he advised. “Education of people with diabetes is another requisite and should include advice on footwear, as inappropriate footwear often contributes to injuries that can lead to infection in the foot and result in amputations.”
“It is estimated that up to 85% of amputations can be prevented with well-organized diabetic foot care, good diabetes control, education and well-informed self care” said Dr Karel Bakker, Chair of the IWGDF. “There is an urgent need for action to bring about improvements in foot care for the millions of people with diabetes living in the world today.” This is the message that IDF and the IWGDF are promoting this year through the World Diabetes Day campaign. “With our slogan ‘Put Feet First: Prevent Amputations’, we want to stress that prevention can be achieved. We call upon all stakeholders to take appropriate action to bring about a reduction in amputations.”
Ends
References:
Diabetes and Foot Care: Put Feet First Prevent Amputations, International Diabetes Federation, 2005
Diabetes Atlas second edition, International Diabetes Federation 2003
Diabetes and Foot Care: Time to Act, International Diabetes Federation 2005
For further information, please contact Anne Pierson, IDF Public Relations Manager (Tel: +32-2-5431623, mobile +32-475-343788, anne@idf.org).
Note to editors:
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organization of 191 member associations in 151 countries, representing millions of people with diabetes, their families, and their healthcare providers. The mission of the IDF is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. It does this through education for people with diabetes and healthcare professionals, public awareness campaigns and the promotion of the free exchange of diabetes knowledge.
World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign of the diabetes world. While the themed campaigns last the whole year, the day itself is celebrated on November 14. This year, the theme is ‘Diabetes and Foot Care’ and the campaign slogan “Put Feet First Prevent Amputations.” World Diabetes Day is an initiative of IDF and WHO. Visit www.worlddiabetesday.org for further information.
The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) is a worldwide organization whose initial goal was to establish an internationally accepted consensus on the diabetic foot. The International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot and the Practical Guidelines on the management and the Prevention of the Diabetic Foot were published in 1999. Since the launch the document has been translated and published in 25 languages. The Working Group is now working towards implementing the consensus in countries and regions through local representatives. The IWGDF was acknowledged as an IDF Consultative Section on the Diabetic Foot in 2000. For more information about IWGDF, visit www.iwgdf.org.
