Every 30 seconds, a lower limb is lost due to diabetes-related
complications. That comes to 2,880 legs and feet every day.
Diabetes is an epidemic of national proportions, and currently affects nearly 24 million
Americans. It is also a family affair, as the disease is commonly passed down from parents to children.
Unfortunately, many people with diabetes--and those at risk for the disease--do not discuss its hereditary nature
and negative physical effects with members of their family. APMA's 2009 diabetes campaign, Diabetes is a Family
Affair (DIAFA), encourages those with the disease to begin having this important discussion! Early detection and
treatment of complications from diabetes, such as foot ulcers, is important to treating the disease successfully
and avoiding a foot or leg amputation.
In addition, the 2009 DIAFA campaign focuses on the African-American community. Ethnicity
plays a large factor in a person’s risk for developing diabetes, and African-Americans are nearly twice as likely
to develop the disease as Caucasian-Americans. Treating the disease requires proper education, understanding, a
trusting relationship between the patient and diabetes management team, and support from family and community.
True and False
An estimated 25 percent of people with diabetes will develop serious wounds on
their feet at some point in their lives.
True: Foot wounds, ulcers and infections are the most common reason for
hospitalization of people with diabetes. Treating these conditions costs tens of
billions of dollars, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
If a family member has diabetes, it does not mean that I am at risk for the disease.
False: Diabetes is truly a family affair. If someone in your immediate family has it, it
could mean that you are predisposed to have the disease as well. However, it does
not mean you will get it. With healthy eating habits and exercise, you have a higher
likelihood of avoiding the disease.
People with diabetes may experience elevated temperatures on their feet called
hot spots, which can be conducive to the formation of ulcers.
True: Podiatric research has shown that people with diabetes may experience a rise
in temperature in certain areas of the feet, which can lead to the formation of
diabetic ulcers. As a preventative measure, a foot thermometer can indicate when
foot temperatures are ripe for possible ulcer formation.
If a person with diabetes develops a diabetic ulcer, an amputation is highly likely.
False: There are several effective treatment options available to avoid an
amputation, including vascular intervention, comprehensive wound care, infection
management and properly fitting footwear. However, the earlier the wound is
detected and treated, the greater probability an amputation can be prevented. This
is why it is critical to seek care from a podiatrist.
Diabetic amputees are at greater risk of dying than those who do not have an
True: A diabetic amputation can be deadly. In fact, half of amputees with a lower leg
amputation die within 18 months of their operation, and 80 percent won’t survive five
years, according to the ADA.
Courtesy: APMA (Amercican Podiatric Medical