Next week (July 9-15) we join with Diabetes SA to highlight the many different aspects of diabetes management to support people living with diabetes. Did you know that 280 Australians develop diabetes every day? That’s one person every five minutes (Diabetes Australia). Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia; increasing at a faster rate than other chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer (Diabetes Australia).
Our focus is on increasing the awareness of foot care for optimal diabetes management. However, you may be asking 'what is diabetes and what does it have to do with feet?'
Diabetes can result in damage to the blood vessels and/or the nerves in the feet; which in turn can lead to more serious complications such as ulcers, infections, foot deformity, gangrene and/or amputations.
"Every three hours in Australia, a person with diabetes has a lower limb removed as a direct result of diabetes-related foot disease. Sadly, 50% of these will go on to live less than a further five years. Prevention and early treatment can help" (Diabetic Foot Australia).
Understanding how best to care for your feet can prevent these serious complications. We suggest the following steps to keep your foot health on track:
For our Adelaide readers: Diabetes SA's National Diabetes Week Seminar for 2017 is "Diabetes Behind Closed Doors". If you have or live with someone with diabetes, this seminar is a good opportunity to learn more about diabetes related issues that may be difficult to discuss.
Come along to Diabetes SA's FREE seminar as part of National Diabetes Week, where you will learn all about:
Diabetes, Continence and Women's Health with Urogynaecologist, Dr Ian Tucker,
Diabetes, Continence and Sexual Health with Urologist, Dr Kim Pese, and
Diabetes and Sleep with Sleep Scientist Dr Siobhan Banks.
Event details
Where: City Rooms 1 & 2, Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide
When: Saturday 8 July 2017
Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm (arrive by 9.15am for a 9.30am start)
Cost: Free to all NDSS Registrants and their families. Tea, coffee and morning tea provided.
For more information on Diabetes week 2017 click HERE.