Diabetic foot working group launched

Diabetes is a chronic condition that may result in a number of critical complications, of which foot disease is one of the most common. The lifetime risk of a person with diabetes developing a foot ulcer could be as high as 25 percent, and it is believed that every 30 seconds a lower limb is lost somewhere in the world as a result of this illness. [1]

The Diabetic Foot Working Group (DFWG) of South Africa – is a national initiative, which will be launched at the Diabetic Foot Symposium at the joint congress of ASSA, VASSA and SAGES on Friday, 10 August, 2007 at Sun City.

The DFWG is a voluntary association which will serve as the overall representative body to promote awareness and optimal management of people with diabetic foot problems. The group will be headed up by honorary president, Professor Andrew Boulton, who is a world authority on the diabetic foot; as well as a number of South Africa's leading specialists in the field of diabetic foot disease. Through the establishment of this organisation, the DFWG will aim to reduce lower limb amputation in diabetic patients from 80 percent to 40 percent over the next five years.

Objectives of the DFWG include serving as the overall representative body of diabetic foot care in South Africa, promoting the practice and professional and allied interests of people with diabetic foot problems, as well as collecting relevant data in relation to the diabetic foot in the country. Further to this, the DFWG will aim to maintain and promote continuing academic standards and training of diabetic foot care in South Africa, in addition to defining and establishing relationships amongst all role players, including Government.

“It is predicted that there will be a 160% increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Africa by 2030. That equates to millions of feet at risk and a possible enormous drain on health care resources, if we do not start a program of prevention and education immediately,” says Dr Lynne Tudhope, vascular surgeon and exco member of the Diabetic Foot Working Group of South Africa.

A number of organisations have already come forward in support of the DFWG in the form of generous sponsorships, including global pharmaceutical giant, sanofi-aventis, Medtronic, Organogenesis, Pharmaco, Abbot Vascular, Boston Scientific, 3M and Cordis Endovascular to name but a few.

“Sanofi-aventis is committed to the continual education, prevention and management of diabetes. Through our in-depth research and investigations, we will continue to support applicable initiatives for the sustained progress of diabetes-management, therefore we are proud to be associated with an organisation such as the Diabetic Foot Working Group,” says John Fagan, CEO at sanofi-aventis South Africa.

For further information regarding the Diabetic Foot Working Group (DFWG) of South Africa kindly visit the group web site: www.dfwg.co.za. Alternatively, please contact Dr Lynne Tudhope at ltudhope@tiscali.co.za

About the Diabetic Foot Working Group

The South African Diabetic Foot Working Group (DFWG) is a voluntary association which serves as the overall representative body to promote awareness and optimal management of people with diabetic foot problems. Objectives include the prevention of amputation, promoting academic standards and the establishment of relationships amongst role players.

About sanofi-aventis

Sanofi-aventis is one of the world leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organisation, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic diseases, central nervous system, internal medicine and vaccines. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY)

References:
Andrew JM Boulton, Loretta Vileikyte, Gunnel Ragnarson-Tennvall, Jan Apelqvist. The Global Burden of Diabetic Foot Disease. www.thelancet.com Vol 366, November 12, 2005.