LUMBERTON — Southeastern Wound Healing Center is participating in Healogics’ National Diabetes Awareness Campaign.
The center, a Southeastern Health affiliate and member of the Healogics® network, is participating in the campaign from Monday through Friday in recognition of November as Diabetes Awareness Month.
The center will dedicate the week to educating the local community about the importance of awareness, early intervention and specialized care for diabetes-related chronic wounds, like diabetic foot ulcers. Local team members also will visit physicians in the surrounding area to provide important information that can help at-risk patients living with diabetes detect wounds earlier, receive better treatment options when wounds are discovered, and avoid complications, such as infections, amputations and decreased quality of life.
An estimated 30.3 million people in the United States, or 9.4% of the population, have diabetes, including 7.2 million who are unaware they are living with the disease. The percentage of adults with diabetes increases with age, reaching a high of 25.2% among those age 65 years or older. In addition to age, risk factors for diabetes include diet, activity level, obesity and heredity. High blood sugar levels, poor circulation, immune systems issues, nerve damage and infection may contribute to a diabetic foot ulcer.
With America’s diabetic population expected to nearly double by 2030, it is important that communities understand the risks and know the facts associated with diabetic foot ulcers. About 25% of people living with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer, including the 2 million who are suffering from one right now. As many as 40% of those with a healed diabetic foot ulcer will develop a new ulcer within a year. An estimated 14% to 24% of people with foot ulcers will experience an amputation. Diabetes is the leading cause of limb loss, accounting for 65,000 amputations annually. Of the patients who have undergone one amputation, 55% will require amputation on the second leg. An amputation results in decreased quality of life, increased medical costs and a significantly higher risk of mortality. Within two to three years of an amputation, nearly fifty percent of patients will die.
Early detection and intervention can help to mitigate the possibility of limb loss. The Wound Healing Center recommends the following to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers:
— Stop smoking immediately.
— Comprehensive foot examinations each time you visit your health-care provider (at least four times a year).
— Daily self-inspections of the feet, or have a family member perform the inspection.
— Regular care of the feet, including cleaning toenails and taking care of corns and calluses.
— Choose supportive, proper footwear (shoes and socks).
— Take steps to improve circulation such as eating healthier and exercising on a regular basis.
Proper wound care is imperative to healing diabetic foot ulcers. The Wound Healing Center offers a number of leading-edge treatments, including Total Contact Casting, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. These specialized therapies can aid in wound closure, new tissue growth, wound tissue regeneration and much more.
Contact Southeastern Wound Healing Center, located at 103 W. 27th St. in Lumberton, by calling 910-738-3836 to learn more about diabetic foot ulcers or if you have a wound that will not heal. No referral is required.
