Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic, lower-limb amputations in the United States. Nearly 21 million Americans have diabetes, and of those, 3.2 million are African-Americans.
Considered high risk for type 2 diabetes, African-Americans are almost three times more likely to suffer from lower-limb amputations as their Caucasian counterparts. For this reason, the American Podiatric Medical Association is urging African-Americans to take off their shoes and socks at every doctor's visit to check the feet for signs and symptoms of the disease as part of its “Diabetes is a Family Affair” (DIAFA) campaign.
Focusing on the impact that the disease can have on the entire family, APMA will launch a national effort educating consumers that something as simple as a foot exam can reveal the first warning signs of serious diseases, such as diabetes and maybe even save a limb.
“Because diabetes can run in the family, it's important that families discuss the disease and its warning signs,” said Dr. Christian Robertozzi, APMA president. “Family members can also ensure a person with diabetes maintains a proper diet, increases exercise, performs daily foot inspections and keeps a positive outlook.”
The number of people that have diabetes continues to grow. More than 6 million people are afflicted with the disease and don't even know they have it. Among African-Americans, 13 percent of the population has diabetes. An early diagnosis is critical to help control this epidemic. The warning signs of the disease can often appear first in the feet. Check your feet regularly for the following diabetes signs and symptoms:
* Numbness
* Redness
* Tingling sensations
* Burning sensations
* Loss of hair
* Cuts and scrapes that are slow to heal
If any of these symptoms are present, APMA recommends visiting a podiatric physician immediately.
Diabetes is not a disease to face alone. Talk with your family members to learn about their history with the disease. By working together, you can stay a step ahead of diabetes.
Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association represents the nation's premier foot and ankle physicians. The association has component societies in 53 locations in the United States and its territories and a membership of more than 12,500 doctors of podiatric medicine.
Learn more
For free foot health information, contact APMA at (800) FOOTCARE or visit www.apma.org
Focusing on the impact that the disease can have on the entire family, APMA will launch a national effort educating consumers that something as simple as a foot exam can reveal the first warning signs of serious diseases, such as diabetes and maybe even save a limb.
“Because diabetes can run in the family, it's important that families discuss the disease and its warning signs,” said Dr. Christian Robertozzi, APMA president. “Family members can also ensure a person with diabetes maintains a proper diet, increases exercise, performs daily foot inspections and keeps a positive outlook.”
The number of people that have diabetes continues to grow. More than 6 million people are afflicted with the disease and don't even know they have it. Among African-Americans, 13 percent of the population has diabetes. An early diagnosis is critical to help control this epidemic. The warning signs of the disease can often appear first in the feet. Check your feet regularly for the following diabetes signs and symptoms:
* Numbness
* Redness
* Tingling sensations
* Burning sensations
* Loss of hair
* Cuts and scrapes that are slow to heal
If any of these symptoms are present, APMA recommends visiting a podiatric physician immediately.
Diabetes is not a disease to face alone. Talk with your family members to learn about their history with the disease. By working together, you can stay a step ahead of diabetes.
Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association represents the nation's premier foot and ankle physicians. The association has component societies in 53 locations in the United States and its territories and a membership of more than 12,500 doctors of podiatric medicine.
Learn more
For free foot health information, contact APMA at (800) FOOTCARE or visit www.apma.org
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