WDD 2005 - San Diego
PRESS RELEASE
San Diego, June 11 2005
Diabetes in North America: millions of feet at risk of amputations
Millions of people in North America 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 65th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, representatives from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) drew attention to the fact that every 30 seconds, a lower limb is lost to diabetes somewhere in the world. They stated, however, that amputations can be prevented and mortality reduced if the right preventative measures are taken.
15% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime.
In the United States alone, it is estimated that 2.4 million people may develop a foot ulcer at some point in their life. In people with diabetes, foot ulcers can lead to amputation. In 2001, the rate of lower-extremity amputations in the US was estimated at 6.5 per 1000 people with diabetes. Approximately 82,000 non-traumatic diabetes-related lower-limb amputations are performed every year in the US. The incidence of amputation varies between countries, races and communities, but among people with diabetes in North America, Hispanic/Latino Americans and African Americans are 1.5 to 2.5 times more likely to suffer from foot ulcers and lower limb amputations.
Diabetic foot ulcers are the major cause of hospital admission for people with diabetes. 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, while in developing countries, it has been estimated that they may use up as much as 40% of the available resources.
Diabetes has a life-threatening impact
“Diabetes is the fifth cause of death in the United States and in most developed countries”, warned Professor Pierre Lefèbvre, President of IDF. “There are currently 194 million people with diabetes in the world and, according to IDF estimates, this figure is expected to increase to 333 million by 2025”, he went on. The USA occupies third place in the ‘top 10’ of countries with the highest number of people with diabetes in the world, with some 18 million people affected. In Canada, there are approximately 2 million people with diabetes. It is estimated that 4% to 10% of Canadians with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime, and that 14% to 24% of these people will require an amputation.
Amputations are preventable
It is estimated that up to 70% of all lower-limb amputations in the world are related to diabetes. “There have been advances in managing diabetic foot ulceration with the development of new dressings, skin substitutes, and other ground-breaking approaches to stimulating wound healing”, explained Professor Lawrence Lavery. “However, early detection and early intervention are key to improving outcomes for people with diabetic foot problems. People with diabetes should have their feet examined regularly by a qualified healthcare professional. The frequency of checks should be increased for people at higher risk of foot ulcers.”
Professor Andrew Boulton underlined the need for multidisciplinary teams to provide good foot care for people with diabetes. Studies have shown that people with diabetes under the care of multidisciplinary teams (a group of healthcare providers that may include podiatrists and other specialists, nurses, dietitians, and social workers) were at lower risk of amputation. He added that “education of people with diabetes is essential 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.”
References:
1. Diabetes and Foot Care – Put Feet First Prevent Amputations, International Diabetes Federation, 2005
2. Diabetes Atlas second edition, International Diabetes Federation 2003
3. Diabetes and Foot Care – Time to Act, International Diabetes Federation, 2005
4. American Diabetes Association – www.diabetes.org
For further information, please contact: Anne Pierson, IDF Public Relations Manager (Tel: +32 2 5431623, mobile +32-475-343788, anne@idf.org) or Phil Riley, IDF Communications Manager (Tel: +32 495 204964)
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 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. Visit www.iwgdf.org for more information.
