According to SES-SC (Department of Health of the State of Santa Catarina), between January and September 2023, there were 1,518 deaths from type 1 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, in Santa Catarina. This Tuesday (14) marks World Diabetes Day, which marks a campaign to raise awareness of the disease.

In Brazil, 28 amputations are recorded daily in patients with diabetes – Photo: Freepik/Reproduction/ND

SES-SC data shows that by far the month with the most patients dying from type 1 diabetes was March (175 deaths), but September was the period with the most hospital admissions (3,557 total).

Brazil ranks 5th on the list of countries with the most cases, behind only China, India, the United States and Pakistan. In addition, at least 28 people a day have limbs amputated as a result of the disease.

The SUS (Unified Health System) data covers the period January to August this year and shows 6,982 leg and foot amputations in the first nine months of the year alone.

Limb amputation

Patients with diabetes suffer from what experts call “diabetic foot,” which is a complication of the disease that causes sores (ulcers).

If left untreated, ulcers can develop into serious infections, leading to the amputation of one or more limbs.

Diabetes symptoms

• Constant hunger;
• Excessive thirst;
• Repeated trips to the bathroom to urinate;
• Weight reduction;
• Fatigue;
• Feeling weak;
• Mood changes;
• Nausea and vomiting.

Special care

• Periodic visual inspection of the feet by the person, a family member, or a healthcare professional;
• Wear white or light-colored socks, especially cotton ones, to avoid possible blood stains on the fabric;
• In situations of low mobility or excess weight, use a mirror to check the soles of your feet;
• Avoid tight, hard, plastic, synthetic leather shoes with thin toes, high heels, and sandals that leave your feet exposed;
• Choose comfortable shoes; Do not wear new shoes for more than an hour a day until they become soft;
• Avoid walking barefoot to avoid injury from bumps and potholes;
• Have your nails trimmed by a professional and do not remove calluses or cuticles;
• Always keep your feet warm;
• Test the temperature of the water with your elbow before dipping your feet;
• Do not use hot water bottles;
• Keep your feet moisturized to avoid cracks that could open the door to opportunistic infections;
• Wipe away moisture between your fingers to avoid frostbite;
• Do not walk barefoot on hot floors to avoid burns;
• In case of injury, consult a doctor.

*According to Agência Brasil.