On the occasion of the World Diabetes Daythis Thursday, November 14, it is essential to remember that this disease is not limited to excess sugar in the blood. Far from it. Diabetes causes serious complicationsand among them, diabetic footan often overlooked condition that can lead to amputations.
Between 10 and 15% of diabetics develop chronic wounds in their lower limbs, sometimes so serious that they require radical surgery.
Caused by chronic wounds
In Martinique, the figures are worrying: diabetes affects 11.5% of the populationor twice as much as in mainland France, where the prevalence is 5.7%. This high incidence also results in a rate of lower limb amputations, 30% higher than in France.
Created five years ago at the Martinique University Hospital Center, the MadiCicat healing center is dedicated to the care of chronic wounds of the lower extremities, particularly those related to diabetes.
This center provides patients with essential medical expertise to avoid serious complications.
Victor Ragald Severin70 years old, is one of the patients followed in the day hospital.
I have been coming here for a very long time, because I know there is a good doctor who cured my foot. At one point it was really bad, meaning you could even cut it. The doctor told me: As soon as the base sinks, the foot heals
Diabetic for 15 years, he talks about the importance of this care.
TO LISTEN Testimony of Victor Ragald Severin
It's not easy, you always have to take a lot of precautions, walk with shoes, don't eat anything. I have to check my blood sugar level every morning. Whether it's good or not good. I have to be careful not to drink soda or rum. Even when you're doing dialysis, you shouldn't eat just anything, like oranges, mangoes, bananas, it's very restrictive. I have to live with it but I take precautions, otherwise we are not well, we are sick
A specialized approach to preventing amputation
The care at MadiCicat is based on a comprehensive approach, as explained by Doctor Nathalie Dupont Lenglin, head of the center.
When we talk about chronic wounds, these are wounds that have existed for at least three weeks. We treat wounds that have lasted for several weeks, several months, or even much longer. The sooner the wound is treated, the more likely it is to heal. We start with a global assessment to detect any arteriopathy or neuropathy, which are often the cause of wounds.
The center is not limited to surface care. The teams ensure a multidisciplinary care : vascular assessment, revascularization treatments in the event of arterial blockage, and specific care in the event of neuropathy.
Wound prevention also relies on early detection of neuropathya common complication of diabetes which can lead to ulcerations, often located under the foot.
Specialized centers like MadiCicat play a vital role in preventing amputations. On this day of global awareness, it is more essential than ever to remember that the fight against diabetes is a public health priority.
Find it every morning, Monday to Friday (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.), C’est La Vie Decryption presented by Florence Treuil and Julie.
