Santosh Andhale
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Written By: Santosh Andhale | Updated : June 5, 2015 3:11 PM IST
The evils of diabetes and its resulting illnesses are widely known. However, this nugget of information is sure to jolt you awake from a state of ignorance. Experts in the city say that two lakh people in India lose a leg to amputation, the root cause of which is diabetes.
Diabetics are frequent victims to foot ulcers and according to doctors, these should be taken very seriously as they could result in amputation. Tardeo resident Mahesh Sawant, 60, a victim of diabetes since the past 20 years, developed a small wound on one of his right toes.
Sawant ignored this wound which went on to develop into an ulcer and eventually led to gangrene. The doctors had no choice but to amputate his leg.
Cases like Sawant's are not isolated. Specialists say that several thousand diabetics could have saved their leg had they taken an annual foot assessment test. This assessment reveals the flow of blood in the legs' arteries.
Most diabetics routinely get their eyes and kidneys checked but ignore their feet.
This often leads to a lack of sensation in the feet. But since there is no pain, most patients do not realise the gravity of the situation.
Dr Arun Bal, founder of the Diabetic Foot Society of India (DFSI) and one of the most well-known diabetic foot surgeons in the country said, 'About 67 million people suffer from diabetes in India. Two lakh people need amputation due to infected feet. Even after the development of ulcers, they don't take enough care of their feet.'
Due to various complications induced by diabetes, a patient's foot can become vulnerable, asserts Dr Shashank Joshi, senior diabetologist and president, Indian Academy of Diabetics.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
'Neuropathy, vascular problems and delayed wound healing can lead to chronic ulceration of the foot. As a result of infection or the non-healing of an ulcer, amputation may be necessary.'
Bal, who works with the Mahim-based Fortis Raheja Hospital, added that many public and private hospitals do not have facilities for conducting foot assessment tests.
Furthermore, many doctors also do not realise its importance.
'A foot assessment test is very simple and does not need hi-tech machinery. Based on the findings, doctors advise patients on the precautions they need to take to avoid ulcers, some which may include special footwear,' said Bal.
Dr Joshi agreed about poor awareness and advised, 'Up to 85% of all diabetic-foot-related problems are preventable through a combination of good foot care and appropriate education for both, people with diabetes and healthcare providers.'
To create awareness amongst doctors about the test, the DSFI and Denmark-based World Diabetics Foundation are jointly organising workshops in all medical colleges in the country. In Mumbai, Hinduja and Raheja Fortis hospitals have foot assessment facilities. Soon the civic-run Nair Hospital will also have this facility.
Also read: Diabetic foot: Causes, treatment and care
Content Source: http://dnasyndication.com/
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