70pc foot amputations occur in people with diabetes

They said an estimated 50 lakh people in the country suffer from various stages of the chronic disease caused by the body's inability to produce a hormone called insulin.

The deficiency of this hormone results in increased concentrations of glucose in the blood which in turn damage many of the body's systems including ulceration and subsequent limb amputation one of the major outcomes of the slow but fatal disease, they added.

The discussion was organised by the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (Dab) on the occasion of World Diabetes Day at Birdem in the city yesterday

The speakers said it is possible to reduce amputation rates by up to 80 percent through a care strategy that combines prevention, treatment of foot ulcers, close monitoring, and education of people with diabetes and healthcare professionals.

They called for increased attention to the rising nationwide burden of diabetes that not only leads to loss of productivity but also to huge financial loss due to healthcare costs.

The speakers pointed out that almost 80 percent of these lower limb amputations could be prevented with adequate health education, detection and appropriate care.

Speaking as chief guest, Health Minister Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said, “Changing food habit and taking balanced diet could actually prevent and reduce the burden of diabetes which is said to be increasing every year that too due to certain factors like lack of physical exercise, rich diet and rapid urbanisation.”

In her speech Dr Duangvadee Sungkhobol, WHO Representative in Bangladesh, said, “Diabetes and its numerous complications are extremely burdensome on the health and economies of countries worldwide. It is estimated that treatment of diabetic foot diseases accounts for as much as 40 percent of healthcare resources available for diabetes in developing countries.”

“Health education focusing on prevention side of the disease is very crucial. We should encourage simple behaviours among the people with diabetes such as regular foot examination to check development of ulcers, not walking barefoot and maintaining cleanliness of the foot,” she added.

The discussion revealed some global studies which said up to 70 percent of all foot amputations occur in people with diabetes mellitus most of which begin with foot ulcers.

Many serious complications, such as kidney failure or blindness can affect individuals with diabetes, but it is the complications of the foot that are one of the most serious and costly complications of diabetes.

With this year's World Diabetes Day slogan "Put feet first: Prevent amputations", the health ministry and Dab are working together to raise awareness about this preventable complication and promote integrated treatment and care.

In observance of the day, Bangladesh Diabetes Samity (BDS) also organised a press conference at its conference room at Birdem.

Citing a study of International Diabetes Federation, the speakers said in every three seconds a leg is cut in the globe and in 70 percent cases this amputation is caused by diabetes.

They said around five percent of the total population of Bangladesh is affected by diabetes and most of them are at high risk as they are careless or ignorant of foot care.

Director General of Birdem Prof Dr Mirza Mazharul Islam, BDS Chairman Major General Dr A R Khan, Secretary Ahsanul Kabir, Joint General Secretary Dr Sultan Aziz, Dr Arup Ratan Chowdhury and Dr J R Wadud spoke at the press conference.