KUWAIT CITY, Nov 16: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi stated on Friday that heightened awareness of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, has led to a significant decrease in lower-limb amputation (LLA) rates compared to previous years.

This was highlighted in a speech delivered on Dr. Al-Awadhi’s behalf by Assistant Undersecretary for Dental Affairs Dr. Ahmad Asad at the opening of the 7th Gulf Diabetic Foot Conference.

Dr. Asad noted that diabetes has a wide-ranging impact on individual and societal health. In response, the Ministry of Health has established specialized diabetic foot centers in all hospitals to provide preventive and therapeutic care under the supervision of medical teams specializing in diabetic foot surgery.

He emphasized that diabetes is one of the most dangerous chronic diseases, with effects extending beyond blood sugar levels to include severe complications such as limb amputations, heart disease, vision problems, and issues affecting arteries, kidneys, and nerves.

Given these challenges, the ministry is prioritizing preventive programs over treatment and raising awareness that prevention is better than cure. The ministry remains committed to providing all necessary treatments and medications to support patients.

Dr. Asad underscored the importance of scientific advancements and medical conferences in addressing prevention and treatment, aiming to deliver integrated healthcare for diabetes patients, particularly those with diabetic foot conditions.

He explained that diabetic foot is a serious and common complication resulting from long-term high blood sugar levels affecting nerves and blood vessels. This condition reduces blood flow to the extremities and weakens sensation, increasing the risk of ulcers and wounds that may lead to severe infections.

Early detection and regular medical follow-ups are essential to prevent diabetic foot complications. Awareness and periodic examinations have significantly reduced foot amputation rates among diabetes patients.

Conference Chairperson and Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Al-Adan Hospital, Dr. Munira Bin Nakhi, noted that the two-day conference focuses on topics such as corrective foot surgery, diabetic neuropathy, innovations in measuring pressure and temperature inside footwear, vascular diagnosis techniques, and advanced treatments for diabetic foot ulcers, including negative pressure technology and stem cell therapies.

She added that diabetes affects 540 million people worldwide, a number projected to rise to 783 million by 2045. The GCC countries have some of the highest global infection rates, ranging from 20 to 25 percent.

Dr. Bin Nakhi highlighted that over 25 percent of diabetic patients are likely to develop ulcers during their lifetime. Despite progress in treating diabetic foot diseases, challenges such as prolonged healing times, infections, and the risk of amputation persist.

She called for a unified Gulf Cooperation Council protocol with recommendations on prevention methods and best practices for treating and managing diabetic foot diseases and their complications. (KUNA)