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The Stephanie Marks Appeal helps 'Put Feet First' for World Diabetes Day - 14th November 2005
World Diabetes Day was established by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1991 with the aim of co-ordinating diabetes advocacy worldwide. Since then, it has become the primary global awareness campaign of the diabetes community. This year the emphasis for World Diabetes Day falls on foot problems caused by diabetes, one of the more serious and costly complications of the disease. The slogan for the 2005 campaign is: Put Feet First Prevent Amputations.
Somewhere in the world, a leg is lost to diabetes every thirty seconds. Given the high incidence of diabetic foot ulcers and the frequency with which, though often treatable, they lead to amputation, the choice of theme is highly appropriate. The campaign is aimed at people with diabetes, and those in a position to influence and improve their healthcare. At present, the number of amputations as a result of diabetes is unacceptable. For this reason, the IDF, the WHO and the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot are promoting the message that, through good healthcare and informed self care, it is possible to prevent diabetes-related amputations in the majority of cases. At the moment:
- Every 30 seconds a leg is lost to diabetes somewhere in the world.
- Up to 70% of all leg amputations happen to people with diabetes.
- In most cases diabetic foot ulcers and amputations can be prevented. It is estimated that up to 85% of amputations could be avoided.
Diabetes: a global epidemic
World Diabetes Day aims to inform the public of the causes, symptoms, complications and treatment associated with the condition which is an increasing global health threat. The Stephanie Marks Diabetes Resource Centre is being established to update the way diabetes is managed in the Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust catchment area. Working in partnership with GPs with a special interest in diabetes, it will integrate primary and secondary care diabetes management and services across the community to form the first 'hub and spoke' diabetes service in the South East. The centre will become a focal point for patients, carers, researchers and healthcare professionals, delivering cutting edge clinical services and becoming a major regional centre for diabetes research. Patients will have access to first rate podiatry services who believe that good healthcare and informed self care it is possible to prevent diabetes related amputations in the majority of cases.
Dr. Mike Baxter, Consultant Diabetologist and Endocrinologist at Ashford & St. Peter's NHS Trust said, "The number of people with diabetes, especially Type 2, is set to increase dramatically over the coming years. The ASPH Trust recognised this growing problem and the likely future strain on local services some years ago. The Stephanie Marks Centre and remodeling of local diabetes services have been planned to guarantee local access to the best care for everyone affected by diabetes".
To mark World Diabetes Day Stephanie Marks Appeal merchandise will be on sale to raise much needed funds to build and equip the Resource Centre. Christmas cards, priced at £4.99 for a sealed pack of 10 identical cards with a Robin design and "Pound for Life" key-rings, which are simple to use and accepted nationally in supermarket trolleys and gym/sports lockers, are on sale at £1.50 each. "We really heavily on support from the public, if you haven't yet bought your Christmas Cards, help us by buying a pack. Also, our "Pound for Life" key rings make excellent stocking fillers" commented Val Marks, Fundraising Manager.
To make a donation or purchase these goods visit The Stephanie Marks Shop located in the Duchess of Kent Wing (old flower shop) at St. Peter's Hospital or Karen Marsden, Voluntary Services Co-Ordinator at Ashford Hosptial, by telephoning 01932 722330 or by visiting www.stephaniemarks.org.uk
Foot Facts
- Every 30 seconds a leg is lost to diabetes somewhere in the world.
- Up to 70% of all leg amputations happen to people with diabetes.
- In developed countries, up to five per cent of people with diabetes have a foot problem.
- Foot problems are the most common cause of admission to hospital for people with diabetes.
- In developing countries, it is estimated that foot problems may account for as much as 40% of healthcare resources available for diabetes.
- The direct cost of an amputation associated with the diabetic foot is estimated to be between US$30,000 and US$60,000.
- Most amputations begin with a foot ulcer.
- One in every six people with diabetes will have a foot ulcer during their lifetime. Each year 4 million people worldwide get a foot ulcer.
- In most cases diabetic foot ulcers and amputations can be prevented. It is estimated that up to 85% of amputations could be avoided.
- Significant reductions in amputations can be achieved by well-organised diabetic foot care teams, good diabetes control and well-informed self care.
Source: International Diabetes Federation, www.worlddiabetesday.org
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