DPN is the leading reason for leg amputation
BOISE, Idaho – To raise awareness of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN), Gov. Butch Otter has signed a proclamation naming Nov. 1, 2011, Diabetes Awareness Day in Idaho.
DPN is a serious condition that damages nerve fibers as a result of disease of the small arterial blood vessels and is often attributed to prolonged exposure to high amounts of glucose in the bloodstream.
The leading reason for leg amputation, DPN is life-threatening and debilitating. It causes a wide variety of potentially disabling symptoms, including intense pain described as aching, tingling, burning and numbness with loss of protective sensation to the feet.
“We are grateful Governor Otter has signed this proclamation to help raise awareness about diabetes in Idaho and the complications that can arise from the disease,” said Lisa Gonser, director of marketing & community relations for St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center. “Hopefully we can help individuals living with diabetes prevent these complications and prevent a lower limb amputation.”
Eight percent of Idahoans have been diagnosed with diabetes; it is important they are aware of the dangers and warning signs of DPN.
St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center, Idaho’s diabetes center of excellence, provides education in diabetes self-management and prevention to people with or at-risk for diabetes, their families and health care professionals.
“Our entire goal at the Diabetes Center is to teach our patients about how to manage their diabetes to help prevent complications such as DPN. It can be a very traumatic condition – both physically and emotionally,” said Judy Davis, RN, FAADE, CDE, program director for St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center.
Trusted by over 600 Treasure Valley referring physicians, the Center provides services to more than 5,000 clients each year. Working with the organization’s experienced Certified Diabetes Educators, clients learn how to manage diet, exercise and medication to stay healthy and prevent complications such as heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations. St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center programs are recognized by the American Diabetes Association.
St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center also participates in national research trials for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. A community program of St. Luke’s Health System, St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center is one of the largest free-standing diabetes centers in the United States.
For more information on St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center, visit http://hdiabetescenter.com/ or call 208-331-1155 for their Boise location, 208-884-4220 for their Meridian location or 208-884-4220 for their Nampa location.