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ONTARIO PODIATRISTS RECOGNIZE WORLD DIABETES DAY

The Ontario Podiatric Medical Association (OPMA) and Ontario’s podiatrists join in recognizing

World Diabetes Day today with a plea to improve awareness of the impact Diabetes has on

overall health and particularly on the foot health of the 2.4 million Canadians living with

Diabetes.

The prevalence of diagnosed Diabetes has increased by 70% from 1999 to 2009 according to

government reports. Podiatrists, as primary health care providers, are on the frontline coping

with the increased demand for care of diabetic foot conditions. “Public health sources claim

Diabetic foot ulcers cost more than $150 million annually,” stated Bruce Ramsden, Doctor of

Podiatric Medicine and President of the OPMA. “Diabetic foot wounds left untreated or treated

too late led to over 2,000 amputations in Canada in 2011-2012,” added Ramsden. Diabetes is a

call to action to all health professionals.

According to the OPMA, podiatrists identify and treat wounds THAT could otherwise go

unnoticed and, if left untreated, become seriously infected and detrimental to the individual’s

health. As foot health specialists, Podiatrists can help to manage Diabetic feet among other

symptoms. Podiatry has documented success in the prevention of foot amputations resulting

from reduced blood flow to the lower limbs. Podiatrists provide the early recognition and foot

screenings required to prevent amputations and other complications from Diabetes.

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14. The World Diabetes Day

campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations.

World Diabetes Day was launched in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the

World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat

that Diabetes poses.

World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007 with the passage of United

Nations Resolution 61/225. It is celebrated on November 14 to mark the birthday of Canadians

Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the

discovery of insulin in 1922.

The OPMA represents over 80% of podiatrists registered to practise in Ontario.

For further information contact Bruce Ramsden, DPM at 416-226-4120.