One of the potential, major complications linked to diabetes is the development of foot ulcers, which can lead to the amputation of one or both feet.  The rate of lower extremity amputations among people with diabetes in Northern Ontario is higher than the provincial average.

But most amputations can be avoided by proper, preventative foot care.

This Friday in Sudbury, the Diabetes Care Service of Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord (HSN) and Diabetic Foot Canada are teaming up to host a workshop, the Prevention and Management of Diabetic Foot Complications.

Over 120 health care workers from across northeastern Ontario will be attending.  During the workshop, delegates will learn about current trends and best practices for diabetes foot ulcers prevention and management, and they will learn and practice proper foot exam techniques for the early detection of complications that can lead to foot ulcers.

“About 25 per cent of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime, and that puts them at a higher risk of amputation, “says Joanne Guizzo, Clinical Manager of Outpatient Care Programs at HSN, which includes the Diabetes Care Service. “So by offering this training and allowing health care workers to go back into their communities, we can ensure more people with diabetes have proper foot examinations. That will allow their health care workers to catch potential problems earlier and come up with foot care plans, so ulcers don’t develop to the point where there are serious effects, such as amputation. It’s really better care for patients.”

Twenty-four personal support worker (PSW) students from First Nations coastal communities along the James Bay coast will also be attending. The North East Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) is funding their travel and associated costs of participation in the workshop.

Working through the Canadian Red Cross, the North East LHIN started a PSW training program last fall for residents of the area to address health professional shortages and to help with job creation. 

 “Last year we travelled to the James Bay coastal communities meeting with residents and health care leaders who told us about the shortage of PSWs in the area and also about the need for more footcare to address the high rates of diabetes in the area,” said Martha Auchinleck, acting CEO, of the North East LHIN. “We’re pleased to help 24 residents take on this important work and also receive this specialized footcare training.”

Diabetic Foot Canada is a collaborative alliance dedicated to improving the care of Canadians living with Diabetic Foot Disease and preventing amputations. Diabetic Foot Canada programs include a peer-reviewed journal (launched in association with the Canadian Wound Care Association) for health care professionals involved in diabetic foot care, on line courses, and workshops and master classes focusing on the prevention and management of diabetes foot disease.

"Diabetic Foot Canada, a division of the Canadian Association of Wound Care is pleased to support Health Sciences North in their efforts to prevent Diabetic Foot Complications and improve the lives of persons with Diabetes," says Miriam Bostros, Clinical Director of Diabetic Foot Care Canada.