Health matters: ‘Diabetics can avoid unnecessary amputations’

Between 50 and 85 per cent of amputations can be avoided by proper management of the condition, says LUMHS professor.

HYDERABAD:

Diabetes is a growing pandemic and it continues to affect many in the country today. This was stated by Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences dean Prof. Allah Bachio Memon. “People with diabetes need to take an active part in their own care while timely access to proper medication and treatment is also vital,” he said.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition caused by the body’s inability to produce insulin or its inability to effectively use insulin produced. It leads to increased concentrations of glucose in the blood plasma, which in turn damage many organs. The condition often leads to foot amputations. Between 50 and 85 per cent of the amputations can be avoided by proper management of the condition. Talking about World Diabetes Day, which is a part of the awareness campaign for diabetic patients, Memon said that every child has the right to a long and healthy life. Therefore, the condition which can be onset at any age, depending on genetic, environmental or dietary factors, must be managed properly to prevent it from leading to other diseases which can prove fatal.

He went on to explain that a diabetic patient’s diet must coincide with insulin administration and that authorities must ensure the provision of a supplemental diet for them.



The overall health of diabetics can be improved and the condition kept under check by taking simple precautionary measures, asserted Memon, adding that the authorities should work towards creating greater awareness about diabetes as it affects a large part of the populace.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2013.