4th International Diabetic Foot Conference highlights dangers of uncontrolled diabetic foot ulcers.

Focusses on importance of diabetes education.

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, November 17, 2013: The 4th International Diabetic Foot Conference, which recently took place in Dubai, highlighted the dangers of uncontrolled diabetic foot ulcers and its consequences for patients, their families and the community.

Diabetic foot ulcers are the most common cause of lower limb amputation in the Middle East, as well as across the globe. Statistics suggest that 70 per cent of worldwide amputations  are due to diabetes, of these 15 per cent are due to diabetic foot ulcers.

Experts discussed latest treatment methods as well as the importance of diabetes education to ensure patients take responsibility for the management of their diabetes so that they can prevent complications of uncontrolled sugars such as blindness, kidney failure, amputations etc.

His Excellency Khalid Al Sheikh Mubarak, Deputy Director-General of the DHA said: “Lifestyle diseases are rapidly increasing in the region and globally. The International Diabetes Federation confirms that 371 million people in the world suffer from diabetes and that by 2030 this number is expected to reach 552 million people, unless strong preventative measures are implemented across the globe. Education is vital to prevent more people from developing the disease as well as to ensure diabetics are aware of their disease and can control their sugar levels to prevent chronic complications caused by diabetes.”

Dr Marwan Al Zarooni, Chair of  the 4th International Diabetic Foot Conference and head of plastic surgery and wound care at Rashid Hospital said: “Most people who are admitted to the hospital with severe foot infections or gangrene come to us at a late stage where amputations are the only solution. The unfortunate truth is that management of diabetes could have completely prevented an amputation and thus saved the individual from permanent disability.

“Therefore, we urge the public to be aware of the disease and to understand what diabetes means. Poorly controlled diabetes often results in nerve damage and poor blood circulation to the legs and feet. Patients gradually lose their ability to sense foot pain or symptoms of injury. This loss of  sensation makes it easy for blisters, cuts, and ulcers to go unnoticed, leading to infection. Our message to diabetics is that first and foremost they should control their sugar levels; they should never ignore foot problems such as cuts, sores and ulcers  which when delayed becomes infected  and can lead to amputations. Diabetics should also protect their feet by wearing covered footwear.”

The conference discussed all aspects of diabetic foot care such as treatment, latest advances, nutrition for diabetics, education and best practices in wound care.

More than 500 medical professionals took part in the congress.