Did you know?
- 2.3 million Canadians live with diabetes today.
- About 60-70% of diabetics will develop some form of diabetic nerve damage, which in severe forms can lead to diabetic lower limb amputation. Approximately 73,000 people a year lose their foot or leg due to diabetes
- 15% – or 345,000 Canadians – will develop a diabetes foot ulcer in their lifetime.
- Canadians with diabetes are 23 times more likely to be hospitalized for a limb amputation than someone without diabetes.
- 85% of all amputations are the result of a non-healing foot ulcer.
- More than half of amputations these amputations may have been prevented by appropriate footwear and more effective nail and foot care.
- 50% of all lower limb amputations in Ontario are directly related to diabetes.
- An estimated 1,500 Ontarians with diabetes had a limb amputated in 2008.
- 30% of Canadians with diabetes will die within one year of amputation.
- 69% of limb amputees with diabetes will not survive past five years.
- Canadians with diabetes who see their family doctor or health team at least 3 times a year are 33% less likely to have a limb amputation.
- Diabetes foot ulcers cost the Canadian healthcare system more than $150 million annually.
Infections and other skin irritations are common foot problems faced by many people. Conditions such as athletes foot, toenail fungus that turns the nail yellow or brown, and infections caused by ingrown toenails are just a few examples of these easily treated foot problems that can lead to serious health risks for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, your best approach in dealing with any foot infection is to see a professional, such as your chiropodist. While it may sometimes be possible for a non-diabetic to treat certain minor infections themselves, for someone with diabetes it is vital that they seek professional assessment and treatment of every infection no matter how simple it may seem at first.
Diabetes lowers your ability to circulate blood to your feet, and this reduced blood flow reduces your ability to fight infection and heal properly. This means that a fungal infection that might normally cause symptoms like itching and burning in otherwise healthy people can lead to serious complications for a diabetic, and can even lead to lower limb amputation.
If you have diabetes, you can avoid serious complications by inspecting your feet daily for signs of injury or infection. If you are unable to check them yourself, get someone else to check for you. If you see any signs of infection or injury, make an appointment with your chiropodist for assessment and treatment.