WORLD DIABETES DAY : 14 NOVEMBER 1996

Issued by: Department of Health

The Department of Health has arranged a workshop for 14 November 1996 to train primary health care professionals from the public and NGO sector in Diabetic Foot Care.

Lesions of the feet in diabetic patients constitute a major medical, human and economic problem. It is estimated that 25 per cent of all diabetic patients will have foot disorders. Between five and fifteen per cent of diabetic patients undergo amputation at some time in their lives. For years this problem has been neglected.

Prevention is the most effective method of reducing foot disorders and the amputation rate.

What can you do?

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS:

• Inspect your feet every day; if necessary, enlist help from someone in your family
• Report any lesion or suspect change of colour immediately
• Never walk barefoot
• Wash your feet daily in warm water and soap. Do not soak your feet for a long time. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes
• If your skin is dry, apply a gentle moisturizing cream
• Keep your nails fairly long. File them, do not cut them
• Never treat corns or blisters yourself. Do not attempt bathroom surgery
• Change your socks/stockings every day
• Take great care in choosing your shoes. They must be supple, not too wide and not too narrow. Check that there are no loose objects in your shoes before putting them on. Make regular checks to ensure that shoes fit
• Never expose your feet to extremes of heat (hot water bottle, fire, radiator) or cold; do not use patent corn medicines

Your pair must last for a life time!

CONTACT PERSONS: MS LULU SEBAKE TEL: (012) 312 0176 FAX: (012) 217 960 MS M DU PLESSIS TEL: (012) 312 0177 FAX: (012) 217 960

14 November 1996