NE HEALTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, JUNE 18
In an effort to revolutionize foot care for diabetic patients, Apollo First Med Hospitals, Kilpauk, PH Road, Chennai, on Tuesday announced the launch of the Advanced Diabetic Limb Saving Centre. This specialised centre represents a significant leap forward in the treatment and management of diabetic foot conditions in India.
- Among the myriad challenges posed by this chronic condition, foot problems afflict approximately 25% of diabetic individuals, translating to nearly 25 million people at risk
- For severe infections, a multidisciplinary approach is paramount, emphasizing not just glycaemic control but also targeted interventions to arrest the spread of infection and salvage the affected limb
- The Advanced Diabetic Limb Saving Centre will launch at Apollo First Med Hospitals, Kilpauk on 19th June 2024 and will operate every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm
- Studies show that five-year mortality rates after diabetic lower extremity amputation can be as high as 50-80%, higher than many common cancers
India bears the burden of being the diabetes capital of the world, with an estimated 101 million adults living with the disease. Among the myriad challenges posed by this chronic condition, foot problems afflict approximately 25% of diabetic individuals, translating to nearly 25 million people at risk. These issues often manifest as stubborn ulcers and recurrent infections, posing not just physical but potentially life-threatening complications. Previously, many patients faced the grim prospect of amputations, with global statistics indicating that every 30 seconds, a lower limb is lost to diabetes somewhere in the world.
However, the landscape is changing with the advent of this specialised centre focused on diabetic limb saving. The mantra of this centre is clear: “Save limb, to save lives.” Early detection of high-risk foot problems coupled with effective treatment strategies can mitigate the need for such drastic surgeries. For severe infections, a multidisciplinary approach is paramount, emphasizing not just glycaemic control but also targeted interventions to arrest the spread of infection and salvage the affected limb.
Advancements in endovascular and microsurgical techniques have enabled clinicians to heal stubborn wounds with precision, often utilizising skin and softissues from alternate sites on the body. This innovative approach combines meticulous diabetic management, diligent wound care, and the judicious application of complex microsurgical interventions, which have shown to reduce amputation rates by up to 80% in specialized centres worldwide.
Dr. V. Purushothaman, Senior Consultant Plastic and Microvascular Surgeon and Dr. Sabari Girish Ambat, Consultant Plastic and Microvascular Surgeon stated, “The goal of our Advanced Diabetic Limb Saving Centre is to provide comprehensive care that prevents amputation and preserves the quality of life for our patients,through early detection and advanced treatment options.
The Advanced Diabetic Limb Saving Centre will launch at Apollo First Med Hospitals, Kilpauk on 19th June 2024 and will operate every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm.
The Investigations Package includes CBC, Urea, Creatinine, Blood Sugar (random), X-Ray, and HbA1c, at a cost of only Rs. 3500/-. Patients can also benefit from free consultations by experts in plastic surgery and diabetology.
By prioritizing limb preservation, the Advanced Diabetic Limb Saving Centre is not just saving feet; it is saving lives and livelihoods. Studies show that five-year mortality rates after diabetic lower extremity amputation can be as high as 50-80%, higher than many common cancers. As this specialized field continues to evolve, the outlook for diabetic foot care in India is brighter than ever before.
