Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Mar 23: Lack of awareness and inadequate foot care are major contributors to diabetes-related amputations in low and middle-income countries, said Dr Frances Game, clinical director of R&D at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, NHS Foundation Trust, England.

Delivering the 39th M Viswanathan Gold Medal Oration on Saturday, Dr Game emphasized that diabetic amputations can be prevented by addressing foot ulcers early. "A study in the 1990s found that 18% of amputations were preceded by ulcers. This was a revelation as many people with diabetes assumed amputation was inevitable," she said.

Explaining the progression, she noted that diabetes leads to neuropathy or peripheral artery disease, which can cause ulceration, ultimately resulting in amputation. "The key is to prevent ulcers through frequent foot examinations, patient education, and proper footwear," she stressed.

The event also saw the launch of a white paper on diabetes care by the Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI). With over 101 million Indians diagnosed with diabetes and 136 million with pre-diabetes, the paper highlights challenges in treatment, awareness, and adherence. It calls for nationwide screenings, telemedicine expansion, and policy reforms to enhance care.

India's diabetes treatment cost is projected to reach $12.8 billion by 2030, making government intervention crucial, RSSDI noted. The organization, with over 12,000 members across 23 chapters, is the world’s largest dedicated to diabetes care.

TN Dr MGR Medical University V-C Dr K Narayanasamy and RSSDI national president Dr Vijay Viswanathan highlighted the alarming prevalence of diabetes in Tamil Nadu, ranging from 15%-18% in cities and 6%-8% in rural areas. They urged immediate action to curb the growing burden of the disease.