It is estimated that about 5% of the US population has diabetes, although many of these cases remain undiagnosed. Diabetes accounts for an estimated 10% of new cases of legal blindness in people between the ages of 45 to 74. Many diabetics who do not meet the criteria for legal blindness still have significant visual impairments that impact their lives. Vision impairment, particularly when coupled with neuropathy associated with diabetes, may adversely complicate podiatric foot care. Persons with diabetes are instructed to examine their feet daily both using a long handled mirror to examine the soles of their feet as well as using visual and tactile examination. For persons with visual impairment this is often not feasible, and is made even more complicated if upper and lower extremities have neuropathy, which compromises information gained tactually. Diabetic education for visually impaired or blind diabetics must include specific information on compensatory strategies to address proper foot care. This session will focus on the unique podiatric problems experienced by visually impaired or blind diabetics. Educational techniques and strategies for visually impaired or blind diabetic patients will be presented.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be better able to: 1. Understand the relationship between diabetes, visual impairment or blindness and podiatric care. 2. Understand the prevalence of visual impairment and neuropathy in diabetics. 3. Develop educational programs that address problems of diabetic neuropathy, visual impairment, and comprehensive foot care.
Keywords: Diabetes, Health Care Delivery
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.