“Health Ministry” confirms significant drop in diabetic foot amputation rates

• Globally people suffering from diabetes have reached 540 million, with projections indicating it could rise to 783 million by 2045.

• The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries experience some of the highest diabetes rates globally, with prevalence ranging between 20% and 25%.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, confirmed today that recent efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, have led to a significant reduction in diabetic foot amputation rates compared to previous years.

In a speech delivered on behalf of Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, by Assistant Undersecretary for Dental Affairs, Dr. Ahmed Asad at the Seventh Gulf Conference on Diabetic Foot, he highlighted that the Ministry has proactively established specialized centers for diabetic foot care in all hospitals.

Dr. Asad emphasized that these centers aim to provide both preventive and therapeutic care for diabetic patients, managed by specialized medical teams with expertise in diabetic foot surgery, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment in addressing the wide-reaching impact of diabetes on individual and societal health.

Regarding the impact of diabetes, Dr. Asad emphasized that diabetes ranks among the most dangerous chronic diseases, with complications that extend beyond blood sugar issues to serious health risks, including limb amputation, heart disease, impaired vision, and arterial, kidney, and nerve problems.

About the Health Ministry’s commitment, Dr. Asad highlighted that, given the serious challenges posed by diabetes; the Ministry is focused on strengthening preventive programs as a priority over treatment. He emphasized that raising awareness about the importance of prevention is essential, and providing all necessary treatments and medications to support diabetic patients effectively.

Dr. Asad underscored the Ministry’s commitment in advancing scientific knowledge and medical development, emphasizing the role of scientific conferences in staying informed on the latest advances in diabetes prevention and treatment. He highlighted that these efforts are essential for providing integrated health care to diabetes patients, with a particular focus on those at risk of diabetic foot complications.

About the effects and severity, Dr. Asad explained that diabetic foot is a common and serious complication for individuals with diabetes, caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels affecting the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. This leads to reduced blood flow and loss of sensation, making the feet more vulnerable to ulcers and wounds, which can develop into severe infections if left untreated.

Early detection leads to prevention: Dr. Asad stressed the importance of early detection and continuous medical follow-up to prevent diabetic foot complications. He highlighted that regular awareness campaigns and periodic examinations play a crucial role in significantly reducing foot amputation rates among diabetic patients.

On the other hand, the Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Al-Adan Hospital and Chairperson of the conference, Dr. Munira Bin Nakhi, highlighted in her speech that the two-day event focuses on a range of critical topics related to diabetic foot care.

The topics on diabetic foot care conference are as follows:

• Corrective foot surgery.
• Diabetic neuropathy.
• Innovations in pressure and temperature measurement inside shoes.
• Fundamentals of vascular diagnosis.
• Wound treatment using negative pressure technology.
• Use of stem cell, and growth stimulant-enriched fats, to accelerate the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.

Dr. Nakhi further added that the number of people suffering from diabetes worldwide has reached 540 million, with projections indicating it could rise to 783 million by 2045. She highlighted that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries experience some of the highest diabetes rates globally, with prevalence ranging between 20% and 25%.

Highlighting about complications and challenges, Dr. Nakhi explained that the likelihood of a diabetic patient developing an ulcer during their lifetime exceeds 25%. Despite advancements in treating diabetic foot diseases, challenges remain, including prolonged healing times, the spread of infections, and, in severe cases, the need for amputation due to complications associated with the condition.

Dr. Nakhi emphasized the urgent need for a specific protocol tailored to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This protocol would include recommendations on prevention methods, as well as best practices for the treatment and management of diabetic foot diseases and their complications.