VIJAYAWADA: Increase in the number of diabetics is resulting in over one million amputations every year.

Foot complications and leg amputations due to diabetes were posing a major health problem across the globe, said Y. Sadasiva Rao, diabetologist, here on Sunday.

In an interactive session organised by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, at least half a dozen diabetologists from the city shared their views on foot care and offered preventive measures. Monday (November 14) is being observed as World Diabetes Day and the theme for this year is foot care with a slogan "Put feet first, prevent amputation."

Fact file

Dr. Sadasiva Rao said that most of the amputations could be avoided by exercising prevention and improved care. "Amputations could lead to a threat to life and might even force lifelong dependency besides the misery it inflicts." Over 194 million people worldwide were affected by diabetes and the figure was expected to touch 333 million by 2025, with most of the burden falling on developed countries. "Every 30 seconds, an individual loses a leg to diabetes across the world while India witnesses nearly 40,000 amputations every year," Dr. Rao added.

The team of doctors said in most cases, trouble begins with a foot ulcer. "One in every six persons with diabetes has a foot ulcer in lifetime and 4 million people suffer with a foot ulcer across the world. In most of the cases, these ulcers can be prevented," said another diabetologist O. Ajay Babu.

Preventive measures

Speaking about the preventive measures, Dr. Sadasiva Rao said patients should check their feet daily for cuts, bruises, colour changes, swelling or open sores. "Use a mirror for a closer view of the sole or your foot. Always protect your feet by wearing suitable footwear both inside and outside home to avoid injuring them.

A diabetes patient should avoid using Hawaii slippers as the chances of getting hurt are more," he said.

They should also avoid pointy toe shoes, high heels, stilettos, strapless, backless shoes and tight socks, he added.

S. Sivaramakrishnaiah, also a diabetologist, said that the World Diabetes Day 2005 was aimed at alerting policy-makers and health care providers to act fast to minimise the damage caused by the ailment.

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