People with diabetes and healthcare professionals have the opportunity to attend a webinar about avoiding diabetes-related foot complications.
‘How to avoid foot complications and stay healthy’ is being hosted by the English Diabetes Footcare Network (EDFN) on Friday, November 13 from 6pm.
EDFN Chair Professor Richard Leigh, Consultant Podiatrist at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust will be joined by diabetes foot experts from across the UK to discuss the importance of foot assessments, self-management and the current issues of the pandemic.
The aim of our webinar is to educate and encourage, making sure everyone understands the importance of regularly checking feet, attending annual foot checks, understanding their own risk factors and knowing what to do if there is a problem
It is hoped the workshop may help prevent diabetes-related foot problems in the future, as recent figures have revealed that lower limb amputations have increased by over 18% in England.
In February, data released by Diabetes UK showed that there had been 27,465 amputations between 2015 and 2018.
Those figures equate to more than 176 leg, toe or foot amputations being carried out on a weekly basis in the country. The most significant rise appeared to be in the prevalence of below-the-ankle amputations.
Professor Leigh said: “We know that people with diabetes are susceptible to foot problems and may be more vulnerable during this challenging time, when many patients might be avoiding clinic appointments due to COVID-19.
“Foot ulcers can develop from blisters and small wounds, and if left untreated can lead to amputation which is why it’s crucial healthcare professionals and people with diabetes are able to spot the early signs and seek urgent specialist care.”
“The aim of our webinar is to educate and encourage, making sure everyone understands the importance of regularly checking feet, attending annual foot checks, understanding their own risk factors and knowing what to do if there is a problem.”
Professor Leigh will be joined by Bronagh Monaghan, Chair of the Northern Ireland Diabetes Network Foot Care Group, also a Consultant Podiatrist in Diabetes at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Duncan Stang, Co-Chair of the Scottish Diabetes Foot Action Group and Richard Lane OBE, Expert Patient and former President of Diabetes UK.
The webinar is being hosted in partnership with the College of Podiatry, the Diabetes Network (NI), Foot in Diabetes UK (FDUK), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Orange Juice Communications, the Diabetic Foot Network Wales and the Scottish Diabetes Foot Action Group.
To register for the webinar, click here.
