Diabetic foot complications constitute a major problem in particular among the poor since they often walk barefoot and do not have the necessary funds to buy proper footwear and therefore are at an increased risk of getting ulcers.Moreover, poor people often do not have sufficient access to health care and lack awareness of diabetes and its complications.In the Kasaragode, Kannur and Wayanad rural districts in the Indian state Kerala, the prevalence of diabetes is approximately 5%. Many of the people with diabetes are poor. Therefore, the Diacare Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology has requested the support of WDF to improve awareness and care of diabetic foot problems in these three districts.The project seeks to increase awareness about diabetic foot problems and enhance the care for diabetic foot patients.
This project is implemented by Diacare which is located in Kannur district in the state of Kerala. It targets poor people living with diabetes in rural and semi urban areas in Kannur and its neighbouring districts, Kasaragode and Wayanad.In total, 48 "Footcare Awareness Camps" will be conducted throughout the three districts over a period of two years. Using a mobile podiatry clinic, the camps will provide screening and awareness raising in relation to the diabetic foot. The mobile clinics will be manned by a diabetologist, podiatrist, dietician, diabetes nurses and a cobbler. The clinics will be fully equiped with a biothesiometer, RS scan, hand-held Doppler, monofilament testing, Pradipmat and Hariss mat etc.When arranging the camps, Diacare will collaborate with social groups e.g. cultural clubs or religious organisations in the area. The camps will be advertised through newspapers and local television.It is anticipated that approx. 12,000 people - of whom 4,000 are estimated to have diabetic foot problems - will attend the camps. All attendees will be screened for diabetic foot problems. The people in need of treatment will be attended by a specialist, while those who need preventive footwear will be offered to purchase custom-made footwear at a low cost. An order for the required footwear will be placed subsequently and the patient will receive the footwear 7-15 days later. Attempts will be made to find sponsors who will pay for footwear for people who cannot afford it themselves.In order to create awareness about diabetes and the diabetic foot among the population various activities will be conducted in connection with the camps. For instance, diabetologists and diabetes educators will give lectures and audiovisual presentations, and leaflets, posters and other reading materials on diabetes and its complications will be distributed.The project also seeks to empower the local capacity to enhance the sustainability of the services. To this end, medical and paramedical staff from the local areas will be identified and offered to participate in a specific training and development programme. In total, 245 health care professionals will be trained. Once trained in diabetic foot care, according to their area of work they will assist in conducting the camps, thus providing them with hands-on experience.Upon completion of the project, these trained health care professionals are expected to continue the screening and treatment in their home area.
- Conducted 52 Diabetic foot awareness camps - A total of 14,500 people were reached through the awareness camps.- 4,250 patients identified as showing symptoms of diabetic foot- 100 doctors and 120 nurses received training in Diabetic foot care