Coinciding with the week of World Diabetic Foot Day, Official College of Podiatrists of Navarre demanded the integration of podiatry into public health. “The inclusion of podiatrists at all levels of care continues to be an urgent necessity to guarantee the prevention and effective treatment of diabetic foot complications,” highlighted the President of the College, Luis Ángel Arigita.
As explained College of podiatrists In a press release, in the Provincial Community “the diabetic foot is one of the most serious complications of diabetes and is characterized by the loss of sensitivity and blood flow in the lower limbs, which represents a significant challenge for the public health.
“It is estimated that approximately 25% of people People with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime, a condition that precedes 85% of amputations. »
In Navarre, some 50,000 people live with diabetes“and a high percentage are at risk of developing these complications.” “Ulcers not only increase the risk of amputation and mortality, but also have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. In fact, mortality rates associated with diabetic foot syndrome exceed those of diseases such as cancer breast or prostate”, they say of the entity.
“It is essential raise awareness about this disease and promote primary prevention programs. The role of the podiatrist is essential in the early detection, prevention and treatment of diabetic foot. Not only do we avoid amputations, but we also reduce health costs and improve the quality of life of patients”, underlined the president of Navarrese podiatrists.
He Official College of Podiatrists of Navarre asks the provincial government that podiatrists be part of the multidisciplinary teams of Navarrese public hospitals, “an essential step to comply with international standards in diabetic foot care.”
“It is incomprehensible that, with such solid evidence on the benefits of our inclusion, we continue to be outside the public health system. Every 20 seconds, a diabetic person is amputated in the world. In Navarre, we can and We need to change this reality,” he said. Arigita said.
