EDUCATION IS ESSENTIAL FOR DIABETICS

The key to preventing amputations is preventing foot ulcers. To do so, Paul Han, DPM, MS, clinical consultant of podiatric surgery in City of Hope’s Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, emphasizes patient education as the most effective way to prevent diabetic amputations and infectious foot ulcers. A board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Han specializes in diabetic foot complications and is an expert in limb preservation in diabetes patients. He has treated patients with diabetic foot complications for more than 30 years. 

 

Dr. Paul Han

 

Han estimates that he performs about five amputations each month that “could have been easily prevented. It is important to teach people with diabetes to be aware of and recognize the early signs that might indicate a risk of foot ulcers and infection, so that a timely medical intervention can be made,” Han said, who recently published the third edition of his book, What’s the Foot Got to Do With My Diabetes? “I want to let our patients know that prevention is possible once they  learn about the disease.”  

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News