Tackling Diabetic Foot Complications in India
Every 20 seconds, someone loses a limb to diabetes. India, with the highest number of diabetics in the world, faces a dire situation. Over 100,000 major lower-limb amputations happen each year due to complications from diabetic foot. The shocking part? Research shows that nearly 80% of these amputations could be prevented with timely care.
Despite the severity of this issue, diabetic foot care often goes unnoticed in India. A mere 3.5% of diabetics receive thorough foot examinations, leaving millions at risk for serious problems like ulcers and infections.
A Serious Health Crisis
Diabetic foot complications can be fatal. Studies indicate that about 70% of patients die within five years of a major amputation—a rate similar to some forms of cancer. The financial impact is just as grim: treating one diabetic foot ulcer costs around ₹1.5 lakh, which can drain years of income for many families.
Dr. Pavan Belehalli, an orthopaedic surgeon, highlights the massive fallout from diabetic foot ulcers. “Once a person gets a foot ulcer, they can’t work. The costs of care can push families into debt,” he explains.
In India, the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers is at 6.2%, with the eastern region suffering the highest rates at 9.6%. This means that around 40 to 50 million Indians are living with untreated or poorly managed foot issues.
The Neglected Aspect of Diabetes Care
While diabetes care often focuses on organs like the eyes, heart, and kidneys, feet are overlooked until problems arise. Dr. Belehalli points out that too many patients visit general physicians for minor cuts without proper foot assessments. By the time they reach specialists, complications often have set in.
Awareness is key. Many in the healthcare field lack education about diabetic foot care, leading to a systemic failure in the prevention of these complications.
AI as a Game Changer
To close the gap in diabetic foot care, StrideAid has developed an AI-powered Digital Point-of-Care (D-PoC) system. This tool quickly identifies diabetic foot risks at local clinics in rural areas.
The D-PoC system uses advanced methods like thermal imaging and pressure mapping to analyze foot health. In about 20 minutes, it assesses risk levels and recommends next steps. Dr. Belehalli states, “This tech is vital for spotting issues early and preventing infections or amputations.”
Remarkably, this homegrown technology is around 70% cheaper than imported versions. It has already been used in over 8,500 screenings and requires minimal training for clinic staff.
Proactive Prevention
StrideAid doesn’t just focus on treatment; it emphasizes preventing problems before they occur. They’ve created specialized footwear that helps distribute pressure evenly, minimizing the risk of ulcers.
One notable example involves a 74-year-old man who underwent a routine screening. Although he had no visible issues, the D-PoC revealed significant risk factors that could lead to serious complications. Following early intervention, he remains free of ulcers.
Empowering Patients and Doctors
StrideAid’s AI tool, StrideGPT, is also helping bridge the education gap. This digital assistant answers questions for both patients and doctors, making complex information more accessible. It can communicate in several languages and aims to improve understanding and care.
Measurable Impact
The benefits of this technology are evident. In areas where StrideAid has implemented screenings, reports show a 35–40% reduction in amputations after local awareness programs were introduced.
Experts believe integrating diabetic foot screening into primary healthcare could significantly decrease amputation rates. Dr. Belehalli shares, “With early screening, we can prevent many amputations—validated studies indicate that 80% can be avoided.”
In conclusion, addressing diabetic foot complications in India requires a comprehensive approach that includes advanced technology, education, and community awareness. Efforts to improve foot care can lead to life-saving outcomes for millions.
For more information on diabetes care and prevention, check trusted resources like the World Health Organization.
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AI FOR DIABETES, AI, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, DIABETES, EVERY 20 SECONDS A LIMB IS LOST: INDIAN AI TARGETS 80% PREVENTABLE DIABETES AMPUTATIONS
