Compared to other parts of India, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh report a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes, placing a large population at risk of serious complications. Experts warn that diabetic foot ulcers often progress unnoticed due to neuropathy, which reduces pain sensation and delays medical attention.
Neuropathy Masks Wounds, Leading to Amputations
Explaining the gravity of the issue, specialists noted that nearly one in four diabetic patients develops a foot ulcer during their lifetime. Because many patients do not feel pain, these wounds often worsen silently and may eventually lead to limb amputations. In fact, among patients with foot ulcers, one in three ultimately requires amputation if treatment is delayed.
Early Detection Can Save Limbs
Addressing the media, Dr. Venkatesh Bollineni, Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon at KIMS Hospital, stressed that early diagnosis and timely vascular intervention can prevent most amputations. He emphasised that with coordinated, multidisciplinary care, many diabetic patients can retain their limbs and quality of life.
CME Program Focuses on Preventing Diabetic Amputations
Dr. Bollineni was the keynote speaker at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme held at KIMS Hospital on Sunday. The event drew participation from around 200 doctors from Hyderabad and nearby regions, including vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons, podiatrists, general surgeons, endocrinologists, internal medicine physicians, and infectious disease specialists.
Standardising Protocols Through Multidisciplinary Care
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Bollineni and his team explained that the primary objective of the CME was to standardise treatment protocols aimed at preventing and reducing amputations in diabetic patients. They highlighted the importance of early risk identification, appropriate vascular procedures, strict infection control, effective wound and soft-tissue management, and long-term foot-care education.
Moreover, they pointed out that diabetes is far more common in the Telugu states than in many other regions, which directly contributes to the higher amputation rates.
Comprehensive Management Beyond Sugar Control
Experts at the CME stressed that doctors must look beyond blood sugar control alone. Instead, they should adopt a holistic management approach, integrating advanced wound-care techniques, infection management, and regular foot surveillance.
To protect diabetic patients from limb loss, departments such as vascular surgery, endocrinology, plastic surgery, and orthopaedics must work in close coordination. Encouragingly, the use of endovascular procedures, modern reconstructive techniques, and dermal substitutes has significantly improved treatment outcomes. However, late presentation remains a major challenge, as many patients seek medical help only in advanced stages.
Foot Care Awareness Is Crucial
Adding to the discussion, Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sharath Chandra Reddy and his team urged diabetic patients to pay special attention to foot care. They advised patients to seek immediate medical evaluation even for minor cuts or wounds, rather than ignoring them.
According to the experts, early screening and increased awareness can prevent the majority of diabetes-related amputations.
KIMS Hospital Reaffirms Commitment to Education and Care
As per the press release, the organisers concluded by stating that KIMS Hospital remains committed to enhancing awareness among healthcare professionals through regular CME programmes. Through such initiatives, the hospital aims to improve clinical outcomes and ensure better, limb-saving care for diabetic patients across the region.