New Survey: Nearly 40 Percent of African-Americans With Diabetes Delay Foot Care Due to Lack of Coverage

BETHESDA, MD, Nov 03 (MARKET WIRE) --
New national survey results show that nearly 40 percent of
African-Americans with diabetes delay a visit to a podiatrist -- a
critical member of a diabetes management team -- because they cannot
afford the necessary medical care, according to the American Podiatric
Medical Association (APMA).

The nationally balanced sample, which included 400 African-American men
and women with and without diabetes, found that 38 percent of respondents
with diabetes put off a visit to a podiatrist because they could not
afford care, had no insurance, or care was not covered by their insurance
plan. Additionally, while nearly all respondents (98%) agreed that proper
foot care is vital, almost half (48%) admitted that they have never been
to a podiatrist for a diabetic foot examination or treatment.
African-Americans are twice as likely as Caucasian-Americans to develop
diabetes.

"More than half of all African-Americans -- 54 percent -- reported in our
survey that they have at least one family member with diabetes," said APMA
President Ronald D. Jensen, DPM. "Diabetes has a tendency to be genetic,
and the disease truly is a family affair. It is vital that our nation's
health care reform plan include stipulations that ensure all Americans,
both those with and at risk for diabetes, can afford the necessary
diabetes care and management that they require."

Studies have shown that greater public awareness of diabetic foot care
could positively impact the American health care system. According to an
article in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association,
comprehensive amputation prevention programs have reduced amputation rates
up to 70 percent -- saving the health care system up to $8 billion each
year.

APMA's "Diabetes is a Family Affair" campaign -- which takes place during
November's Diabetes Awareness Month -- encourages those with diabetes, as
well as those at risk, to openly discuss the disease with family members.
Diabetes, an American health epidemic, is often passed down from parents
to children. While the survey found that 77 percent of African-Americans
say they are willing to talk to their family about diabetes, those who do
not have the disease are far less likely to do so than those who are
currently suffering from it (59% vs. 95%).

Other results from the survey found that 47 percent of African-Americans
with diabetes have experienced foot issues related to the disease, --
which can lead to a foot or leg amputation without treatment. For the
results from the survey in their entirety, or more information about
APMA's "Diabetes is a Family Affair" campaign, visit
www.apma.org/diabetes.

Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the
nation's leading and recognized professional organization for doctors of
podiatric medicine (DPMs). DPMs are podiatric physicians and surgeons,
also known as podiatrists, qualified by their education, training and
experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and
structures of the leg. The medical education and training of a DPM
includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate
education at an accredited podiatric medical college and two or three
years of hospital residency training. APMA has 53 state component
locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership
of close to 12,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed
by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more
information, visit www.apma.org.

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