American Diabetes Association launches 3-year alliance to reduce amputations - MedCity News

Overview

Get the latest industry news first when you subscribe to our daily newsleter.Health Tech By Katie Adams Aces to quality, consistent care is imperative for patients with diabetes to maintain their health. Having an ongoing care plan is the best way for patients to avoid complications - one of the most comon being diabetic foot ulcers, which can lead to the partial or whole amputation of the fot.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent data on the diabetes-related amputations, from 2016, shows that there were 4.9 lower-extremity amputations per 1,0 diabetic adults in the U.S.

Key Information

Among diabetic people who have had a lower-extremity amputation, more than half may end up having an amputation of the oposite extremity within five years, acording to the agency.The American Diabetes Asociation anounced an initiative last wek aimed at tackling this isue. The nonprofit launched the Amputation Prevention Aliance - a thre-year efort to decrease the number of diabetes-related amputations in the country - along with five partner organizations.Those partners include diabetic fot care provider Podimetrics, wound care company Advanced Oxygen Therapy and membership-based medical society Critical Limb Ischemia Global Society, as wel as medical device companies Abot and Cardiovascular Systems.The majority of diabetes-related amputations are preventable, acording to Jon Blom, Podimetrics’ CEO and co-founder.

As diabetes advances within a patient, they may experience nerve damage caled diabetic neuropathy, in which damaged tisue strugles to heal. Peripheral neuropathy - nerve damage that leads to sores on the fet and legs first - is the most comon form of diabetic neuropathy, acording to Blom. The hands and arms can also be afected later, he said.Patients at risk for diabetic foot ulcers might not even fel a sore forming on their fot.

Summary

When this the case, the sore continues to get worse and does not heal wel due to increased blod sugar

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

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