Preventative Foot care and its Effects on Public Health: Diabetes & Obesity

According to the most recent information provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Obesity Association (AOA) over 30.9 million people (age 20-60years) have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) type II, and some 127 million adults have been diagnosed with obesity (Body Mass Index of >30), respectively. Indubitably, the various associated pathologies with DM and obesity are of sincere importance to the field of public health and podiatric medicine. As these two health arenas increase in their collaborative efforts, greater significance must be placed on such emerging issues. This work gives background information regarding the foot pathologies associated with DM type II and obesity in middle-aged adults. In addition, the findings presented highlight the most effective means of simple preventative foot care modalities, based on the research done. The grave importance of preventative foot care as it relates to the public health arena is also discussed. Finally, outcome studies, initiatives and probable means of execution of the identified preventative measures are given.