New government research  shows a dramatic decline in the rate of foot and leg amputations in diabetic patients.  This is likely secondary to better treatments. 

The rate has fallen by more than half since the mid-1990s.  The Center for Disease Control reported in January 2012 that for older diabetics, amputations dropped from more than 11 to about 4 per 1,000 people.

Roughly 1 in 10 adults in the US is diabetic.  Diabetes is also the 7th leading cause of death among Americans.  Complications include poor circulation, nerve damage, slow healing wounds, infection and amputation.

In the CDC study, researchers checked national hospital discharge records for 1988-2008, looking for patients aged 40 and older who had lost a toe, foot or leg to diabetes.  They found that although the number of people with diabetes more than tripled over 2 decades, the rate of amputations after 1996 fell.

It's not clear what started the drop in amputation rate, but experts state that contributing factors include close monitoring, annual diabetic foot exams, an increase in patient education, Medicare coverage of blood sugar monitoring, protective shoes, and other medical devices.

To read more please click on the link below:

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/01/25/cdc-diabetes-amputations-falling-dramatically/#ixzz1kx58Rs8X

 

Tags: wound, diabetes, CDC, amputation

Diabetes is currently one of the ten leading causes of death in New Jersey.  In 2009, 562,000 persons in New Jersey were estimated to have diabetes and the disease was estimated to affect the health of 8.4% of the adult population.  Not only does diabetes cause detriment to the well-being of New Jersey's citizens, but it also puts a tremendous financial burden on the state.

The total cost of diabetes in New Jersey exceeds $5.8 billion per year.

The ADA estimates that a third of this cost stems from indirect costs such as lost work productivity, and that two thirds of the cost is a direct result of medical bills.

Complication from Diabetes:  $113,738 - the average cost of each amputation

In 2009, 1,571 non-traumatic lower limb ampuatations were performed in New Jersey due to the effects of diabetes.

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation; however, these amputations can be prevented.

In 2010, nearly 72% of Americans revealed foot pain had prevented them from performing their daily activities, and visits to podiatrists have been linked to improve foot health.  Research shows yearly visits to a podiatrist by those with diabetes significantly decreases the risk of lower limb amputation.  New Jersey can benefit economically and medically from encouraging its diabetes patients to visit podiatrists yearly.

From, WWW.APMA.ORG

 

Tags: economic impact, amputation, prevalence, diabetes

As written in a previous blog post, November is Diabetes Awareness Month.  The APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) "Knock Your Socks Off" campaign is helping to raise diabetes awareness around the country.

Did you know that  66% of Hispanics are at an increased risk of developing diabetes?  This hits close to home as 27% of the population living in Cumberland County is Hispanic.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations.  With proper foot care from a trained foot and ankle specialist (podiatrist) complications can be prevented.

In addition to being evaluated by your podiatrist, be sure to maintain tight control of your diabetes.  Some tips for better diabetic control include:

• Establish a customized plan with your family doctor and set goals
• Overcome barriers to exercise
• Make the correct food choices
• Check your blood sugar regularly and keep a log
• Maintain a healthy weight

If you or someone you know is suffering from diabetes please call Foot Care Centers at 856-691-2152 to make a preferred appointment.

Image from www.apma.org

 

Tags: Hispanic, blood sugar, amputation, Knock Your Socks Off, APMA, diabetes

A 29 yo California man is the fist person in Kern County to receive a bionic foot.  The Proprio Foot is an artifically intelligent and motor-powered prosthesis.

This prosthesis virtually eliminates limping, compensating, reduces fear of tripping and reduces pain associated with the physical demand placed on the knee, hip and back.

Other models are rigid and have a fixed ankle.  The bionic foot senses motion and is able to adapt to different ground surfaces.

Amputation can result from complications of diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), traumatic injury and congenital defects.

The bionic foot may be useful for military professionals returning from overseas who have suffered traumatic amputations.

Tags: amputation, below the knee amputation, peripheral arterial diease, diabetes, Proprio Foot, bionic foot