Experts blame lack of awareness for rising 'Diabetic Foot' amputations

An alarming number of people in Bangladesh are losing their feet due to complications from 'diabetic foot' disease, caused largely by ignorance and negligence, experts have warned.

Speaking at a discussion marking International Podiatry Day 2025, they stressed that increased awareness and a coordinated medical approach are crucial to preventing such avoidable amputations. The discussion, organised by the Bangladesh Podiatry Society, was held at the auditorium of BIRDEM General Hospital in the capital on Wednesday afternoon under the theme "Healthy steps into a better future."

Prominent physicians and specialists attended the event and urged the public to give as much attention to foot care as they do to facial care, emphasising that healthy feet are essential for maintaining the body's overall balance and well-being, UNB reports.

Professor AKM Azad Khan attended the programme as the chief guest, while Professor Mirza Mahbubul Hasan, Director General of BIRDEM Hospital, Professor Shamsuddin Ahmed, Orthopaedic Specialist, Professor Faruk Pathan, Endocrinologist, Professor G. M. Maqbul Hossain, Professor Firoz Amin, Dr Mohammad Rashedul Islam, Plastic Surgeon, and Dr Bazlul Gani Bhuiyan were present as special guests.

The seminar was presided over by Professor Sheikh Nurul Alam, President of the Bangladesh Podiatry Society and former Director of NITOR Hospital, while Dr Morshed Uddin Akand, General Secretary of the society, chaired the session.

During the discussion, experts noted that a large portion of the country's diabetic population is at risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers- a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to severe infections and even amputation.

They also noted that diabetic foot treatment in Bangladesh is often provided in isolation, without coordination between relevant medical departments.

"If diabetic foot care can be approached in a coordinated manner involving vascular specialists, endocrinologists, orthopaedic and plastic surgeons, and podiatrists, more effective results can be achieved," they said.

The speakers highlighted that maintaining healthy feet is not just a matter of hygiene but a vital part of overall health.

"People are often very cautious about their facial appearance, but foot care receives little attention. Yet, healthy feet are one of the key conditions for a healthy life," they added. The discussants also called upon BIRDEM Hospital to take the lead in establishing an integrated treatment system for diabetic foot management and prevention.