November is Diabetes Awareness Month
Diabetes is an epidemic of national proportions, and currently affects nearly 24 million Americans. It is also a family affair, as the disease is commonly passed down from parents to children. Unfortunately, many people with diabetes--and those at risk for the disease--do not discuss its hereditary nature and negative physical effects with members of their family. The California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) in partnership with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) will focus on the family with the 2009 diabetes campaign, Diabetes is a Family Affair (DIAFA), which encourages those with the disease to begin having this important discussion! Early detection and treatment of complications from diabetes, such as foot ulcers, is important to treating the disease successfully and avoiding a foot or leg amputation.
In addition, the 2009 DIAFA campaign will place special emphasis on the African-American community. Ethnicity plays a large factor in a person’s risk for developing diabetes, and African-Americans are nearly twice as likely to develop the disease as Caucasian-Americans. Treating the disease requires proper education, understanding, a trusting relationship between the patient and diabetes management team, and support from family and community.
For more information on both diabetes, and the critical importance of proper footcare for those with diabetes, please click on the Diabetes is a Family Affair link below.
