Diabetes Mellitus

The last decade has seen an intensive focus on the benefits of proper care for diabetics and for good reason. According to the centers of Disease Control, diabetes mellitus is the seventh leading cause of death in America. It affects about six percent of the population and is more common among minority groups. As more Americans become overweight, the incidence of diabetes has increased. In fact, the prevalence of diabetes has increased six-fold during the last two generations.

Diabetes is a costly disease to patients, their families and to the county. It is estimated that the cost of diabetes care exceeds $1 billion annually. Moreover, the cost in diabetic lower extremity amputations alone exceeds $600 million dollars a year! And a single lower extremity ulcer can cost between $10,000 and $60,000 to treat. Fortunately, much of the physical, mental and financial cost of the disease can be avoided. In a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, it was estimated that one half of all lower extremity amputations could be avoided with proper care.

Foot care for People with Diabetes - Click here.

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