BLUE SOCKS FOR DIABETES AWARENESS
DIABETES Malaysia has concluded its six-city Blue Socks public education roadshow, held across Malaysia with support from Pfizer Malaysia. The programme is aimed at raising awareness on a common diabetic complication called Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (pDPN).
pDPN is a type of neuropathic pain seen in patients with diabetic neuropathy, and affects as many as one in five patients. Symptoms include numbness and burning and tingling (pins and needles) sensations. pDPN can potentially lead to amputations as those with the condition are more likely to develop foot ulcers due to unnoticed and untreated foot injuries.
Visiting Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Sandakan, Kuching, Johor Baru and Seremban, the roadshow offered public forums, an exhibition on diabetes and diabetic foot care, information on the symptoms of pDPN and complimentary foot screening stations.
“Diabetic patients need to be educated to proactively inform their healthcare provider if they have any symptoms of pDPN, so it can be urgently treated before it worsens,” said Diabetes Malaysia assistant general secretary K.S. Maniam.