India has emerged as the diabetes capital of the world, with 2022 data confirming the highest global number of people living with diabetes. As complications rise, experts stress that individuals with diabetes must pay special attention to their feet. To highlight this urgent issue, a walkathon was organised in the city on Sunday. Former Vice President Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the event along with Tollywood actor Sushant, KIMS Hospitals Chairman & Managing Director Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao, and Delhi Public School Chairman Ramesh Gorantla.
Leaders Call for Active Lifestyles and Early Detection
Speaking at the event, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu emphasised that diabetes often begins silently, leaving many unaware until complications arise. He urged diabetics to closely monitor their eyes, feet, and other vital organs. “If vision deteriorates or foot ulcers appear, timely medical care is essential,” he said. He warned that ignoring these symptoms has forced many to undergo amputations. He also encouraged people to adopt active lifestyles through walking, yoga, or regular exercise and noted that excessive gadget and smartphone use has reduced physical activity.
Younger People Increasingly Affected by Diabetes
Delhi Public School Chairman Ramesh Gorantla highlighted the shifting trend of diabetes affecting younger individuals. “Earlier, diabetes was seen mostly in people above 50 or 60. Now, younger people are increasingly at risk,” he said. He explained that even minor injuries take longer to heal in diabetics and can lead to amputations if neglected. He stressed the importance of foot care, especially for children and young adults involved in sports. “Early screening can detect issues like flat feet, and timely correction can prevent long-term complications,” he added.
Tollywood Actor Sushant Highlights Importance of Foot Specialists
Tollywood actor Sushant pointed out the lack of awareness about the specialty of foot care. “Many know about eye or bone specialists, but few know that dedicated foot care experts exist,” he said. With diabetes becoming widespread, he urged people to seek immediate evaluation for any foot abnormalities at specialised foot clinics.
Doctors Warn of High Risk of Foot Ulcers and Amputations
As per the press release, Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao, CMD of KIMS Hospitals and a leading cardiothoracic surgeon, said that 15–25% of diabetics are likely to develop foot ulcers. “Nerve damage prevents diabetics from feeling pain, so they often ignore ulcers. Around 85% of diabetic amputations occur due to untreated foot wounds,” he explained. He urged all diabetics to regularly monitor their foot health and seek early treatment.
Supporting this, Dr. Narendranadh Meda, Director and CEO of The Foot Doctor Hospital, said, “Even small wounds can cause severe infections in diabetics. Due to neuropathy, patients may not feel pain and may ignore injuries. Regular diabetes check-ups—including foot examinations—can prevent amputations.” He emphasised that the walkathon aimed to raise community-wide awareness. “Protecting lives and feet requires collective responsibility from diabetics, families, schools, organisations, and citizens,” he added.
Launch of Dr. Wound App and Custom Footwear Solutions
During the event, The Foot Doctor Hospital launched the Dr. Wound App, which enables patients to receive safe, hygienic wound care at home. Specialists monitor injuries remotely, reducing unnecessary hospital visits and saving both time and money. Additionally, the hospital unveiled a customised footwear machine that creates shoes tailored to each patient’s foot shape and size. This innovation helps users quickly identify foot issues, receive precise protection, and prevent further injuries.