Reducing limb amputations 50% by 2015 possible with new program to deal with
diabetes foot wounds

CALGARY, Nov. 4 /CNW/ - Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You, a multi-media education program developed by the Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) has the potential to reduce the incidence of diabetes foot ulcers and in particular, its current amputation rate by 50 %, says Dr. Karen Philp, CAWC Chief Executive Officer.

More than 2.5 million Canadians have diabetes and another 6 million have pre-diabetes.  It is the fastest-growing medical condition in the country.  About 345,000 Canadians or 15 per cent of those with diabetes will develop a preventable foot ulcer.  It is estimated that 85 per cent of foot ulcers are preventable through effective prevention and treatment measures.  Every year, 5000 Canadians with diabetes lose limbs to amputation because of diabetes foot ulcers.  Treatment is costly; treating one foot ulcer costs about $8,000 and if infected, rises to $17,000 on average.  Treating diabetes foot ulcers alone costs the Canadian health care system over $2.5-billion annually.

"About one in three Canadians has diabetes or pre-diabetes," said Philp. "Those living with diabetes are 23 times more likely to be hospitalized for a limb amputation, accounting for 85 per cent of all amputations.  Foot ulcers and other such diabetes complications are taking a growing, needless toll in lost lives and limbs."

Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You is designed to be the national 'go to' program that provides on-line information and education for patients to support effective self-monitoring, early detection, treatment and prevention of costly and potentially life-threatening diabetes foot wounds among Canadians with diabetes.  Key features include:

• An inter-active questionnaire to help identify if they have a diabetes foot ulcer; access to  monthly 'foot-tips' email; and information connecting patients with health care professionals.
• Information will be available in 18 languages on the Web and in "how to" print materials.  Videos showing patients and health care workers how to check feet effectively will be available in these languages in 2011.
• Information geared to clinicians to help them work with patients and use the program effectively.
• An awareness building program to make sure Canadians with diabetes and the professional health care community know about Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You.

"Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You, will improve patient care and health outcomes, effectively avoid hospitalizations, help save health care dollars and will free up scarce resources for other uses," added Philp. "Patients are central to the program as it supports them to be a part of their own health care team by working with their health care professionals to prevent and treat diabetes foot ulcers."

Foot ulcers, wounds and related diabetes complications take a needless toll on Canadians with diabetes who suffer lost limbs and in some cases, lives. Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You is for patients with diabetes who want to live healthy and contribute to their families and community.   Engaging patients in the care of their feet may make a significant contribution to improving their quality of life, and also relieve the time constraints faced by health professionals, freeing up precious health care dollars for other uses.

Dr. Mariam Botros, a chiropodist and member of the CAWC Board of Directors, noted that it was particularly appropriate that the CAWC initiative was launched during Diabetes Awareness Month. "As a front-line care provider, I often witness the catastrophic and heart-breaking results of patients lacking necessary foot care knowledge.  This program is an invaluable addition to our toolbox."

Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You was developed by CAWC with the support of the Public Health Agency of Canada and other national partners.  The program was launched in a simulated setting on the opening day of the CAWC's 16th annual professional conference in Calgary, Alberta.

Visit the Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You Web site at www.cawc.net.

The Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) is a non-profit organization of healthcare professionals, researchers, corporate supporters, patients and caregivers dedicated to the advancement of wound care in Canada since 1995.

The CAWC Professional Conference is being held November 4 to 7 at the Telus Convention Centre, Calgary, AB.  It brings together a broad cross-section of more than 600 health care stakeholders dedicated to improving wound prevention and treatment in health care delivery including physicians; nurses; allied health care professionals; administrators; researchers; patients; caregivers; government officials; social workers; and industry representatives.

For further information:

Contact:

Alan Pryde Media Relations, CAWC Cellular: 613-293-4174