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Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Awareness Foundation, Inc. The foot gives the body a secure foundation for standing, walking and moving. For people with diabetes who are experiencing foot complications, foot care is an unremitting issue that can have a debilitating impact on their lives. A diagnosis of a diabetes-related foot complication can come as a great shock. If you or a loved one is a diabetic with foot complications, it is paramount to procure correct information for well-being. Acquiring information helps those with diabetes make well informed choices about treatment options. In the U.S., more than 60% of non-traumatic, lower-limb amputations occur among people with diabetes (CDC, 2011). However, a comprehensive foot care program can reduce amputation rates by 45% to 85% (Apelqvist, Bakker & Schaper, 2012). Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Awareness Foundation, Inc., is a community-based organization working to reduce the burden of diabetes. Total foot care and treatment require prompt involvement, analysis and prevention. Through education, advocacy and community outreach, the foundation provides an array of support, including conservative management and therapies and podiatrist-recommended foot products. Project Saving Soles The goal of Project Saving Soles is to reduce the risk of infection and life-threatening complications among individuals with diabetes. It strives to improve the relationship between patients and healthcare providers, decrease the
number of foot infections and reduce Georgia’s lower extremity amputation rate. The project is a four-week program that focuses on areas with high rates of diabetes, offering activities such as workshops. Many people can prevent serious foot complications by following the simple selfcare steps the project promotes. Anyone who is concerned about diabetes foot complications or who simply wants to increase their knowledge of diabetes health and wellness is welcome. After an individual completes the Project Saving Soles program, the foundation offers continuing help through CUBS (Coping, Understanding, Bonding, Supporting). For more information, please visit www.fightdiabetesnow.org. Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC3369138/ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf
