270474 Comprehensive Diabetic Lower Extremity Exam--A Tool for Prevention

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 1:40 PM - 1:55 PM

James R. Christina, DPM , Department of Scientific Affairs, American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), Bethesda, MD
Preventive foot care has been demonstrated in many studies to produce reductions in diabetic foot complications. The American Diabetes Association has developed guidelines with respect to diabetic foot care including physical exam and risk stratification. Data from the Thomson Reuters study commissioned by the American Podiatric Medical Association suggests that even a minimal exposure to podiatric care results in significant decreases in hospitalizations and amputations in those that developed a foot ulceration. This presentation will present the components of a comprehensive diabetic lower extremity examination, review the risk catagorization recommended, and explain how this type of treatment paradigm when employed on a prospective basis for every person with diabetes has a significant preventive benefit. The presentation will review benefits of complication reduction and savings to the health care system.

Diabetes Care, Volume 35, Supplement 1, January 2012 p.S8.

DIABETES CARE, VOLUME 31, NUMBER 8, AUGUST 2008, pp.1679-1685

Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association  Vol 101  No 2  March/April 2011, pp. 93-115

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention

Learning Objectives:
Explain the value of a comprehensive diabetic lower extremity exam in reducing diabetic foot complications including ulcerations, hospitalizations and amputations. Demonstrate the potential for improved outcomes in diabetic foot care.

Keywords: Disease Management, Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am Director of Scientific Affairs for the American Podiatric Medical Association, have been involved in the development of quality measures for diabetic foot care, and am a doctor of podiatric medicine.
Any relevant financial relationships? Yes

Name of Organization Clinical/Research Area Type of relationship
American Podiatric Medical Association Director Scientific Affairs Employment (includes retainer)

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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