Nadep Diabetes Footcon ‘2018, Takes Place in Lahore

LAHORE: National Association of Diabetes Educators of Pakistan (NADEP) along side Pakistan Working Group on Diabetic Foot (PWGDF),  in collaboration with Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE) and Diabetes and Footcare Clinic (DFC) Mayo Hospital, Lahore, held the NADEP Diabetes Footcon’ 2018, in Lahore.

This event was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz), Vice Chancellor King Edward Medical University (KEMU).

A multitude of doctors, medical students and health professionals were present at the inaugural ceremony. The Footcon, an event organized by NADEP in organization with PWGDF, BIDE and DFC, and is based on one of the complications of diabetes i.e. Diabetic Foot Ulcers, which are one of the leading causes of amputation in our community.

Whilst addressing the audience at NADEP DIABETES FOOTCON ’18, Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal stated that, “Amputations due to diabetes cause unnecessary loss of mobility, leading to permanent disability, compromising life style of the person. It is unacceptable that there is such a high prevalence of disability and death caused by amputations, when the solutions are clear and affordable.”

Furthermore, he emphasized upon the need of establishing diabetic footcare clinics within various healthcare settings from district to tertiary levels.

The welcoming address was delivered by Professor Dr. Bilal Bin Younus, who emphasized upon the dire need of early detection of diabetic feet, at risk of developing foot ulcers.

Professor Dr. Abdul Basit, President, Pakistan Working Group on Diabetic Feet (PWGDF) as well as Chairman of Mina Region, IDF, stated that, “It is estimated that more than 36 million people are suffering from diabetes in Pakistan and this number is expected to double by 2030. Diabetes and its numerous complications are extremely burdensome on the health and economies of countries worldwide. In high income countries, treatment of diabetic foot complications accounts for 15-25% of total healthcare resources. This is an enormous waste of scarce public health resources. It is estimated that with basic diabetes management and care, up to 80% of all diabetic foot amputations can be prevented.”

Dr. Zahid Miyan, President NADEP discussed that, if the affected patients received self-care education and routine follow-ups, their amputations could have been prevented. He added that, Health departments and policy making institutes should devise a comprehensive plan to prevent diabetes and its complications like diabetic feet.

Dr. Muhammad Arshad Siddiqui, Consultant Diabetologist & In charge of Diabetes and Foot care Clinic, Mayo Hospital Lahore stated that, people suffering from diabetes are accountable to play an active part in their own care and take necessary precautions to keep the complications at bay. He also mentioned that, in order to make patients self aware, a vigilant support system should also be established within our health care system to manage such patients effectively.

 Dr. Arshad established the Diabetes and Foot care Clinic (DFC) in the OPD of Mayo Hospital, under the patronage of Professor Dr. Irshad Hussain, Registrar and Dean of Medicine at King Edward Medical University, which is currently serving countless people in need.

The Footcon ’18 comprises of clinical sessions and workshops, focusing on educating healthcare providers regarding the importance of Diabetic Footcare, with special emphasis on nutritional support.