Diabetes Update :
Nontraumatic Lower Extremity Amputation has declined 67 % due to proper foot care among other factors
BY CURRENT PEDORTHICS STAFF
In February of this year , the American Diabetes Association ( ADA ) released an abstract of their current epidemiology / health services research covering the declining rates for Nontraumatic Lower
Extremity Amputation ( NLEA ) in diabetic patients . Focusing on a study group of diabetics and non-diabetic patient ’ s age 40 years and older during 1988 to 2008 , the ADA offered some insightful statistics and conclusions to the decline of a diabetic health complication that is the number one concern for all individuals suffering from diabetes .
This study is especially important from a pedorthic standpoint , considering many of the patients we treat are either current or potential victims of lower extremity amputations . As we are well aware the results of this study serves as an important gauge of the effectiveness of current efforts in proper footcare , among other factors , to reduce diabetes complications . These complications are associated with numerous modifiable risk factors , including high blood pressure , high lipid and glycemic levels , along with the screening and care for high-risk foot complications .
The ADA ’ s current evidence suggests that with effective risk factor management , ongoing patient education and appropriate foot care , including , one can conclude , pedorthic modalities , many NLEAs can be prevented . In the last few decades alone , good preventive care and the control of cardiovascular risk factors , along with better controlled glycemic levels , have all improved significantly for adults in the U . S . with diabetes . Along with these health improvements the ADA has also seen a reduction in the rates of diabetesrelated complications and cardiovascular disease .
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24 Pedorthic Footcare Association www . pedorthics . org