The BC Association of Podiatrists warns that antibiotic-resistant foot infections can mean amputation for persons with diabetes.

Vancouver - The BCAP urges persons with diabetes to be aware of their risk for foot wounds known as ulcers that can become infected with hard to treat superbugs.

Superbug infections evolved as a result of overuse and misuse of antibiotics among the general public. Superbugs are bacteria that have developed a resistance to conventional antibiotic treatment. They can cause severe infections, extended hospital stays and the need for longer-term, last-resort antibiotic treatments that carry an increased risk for side effects.

"Superbug infections are not uncommon among my patients with diabetes-related foot complications" says Dr. Timothy Kalla, podiatrist. "Persons with diabetes are vulnerable to antibiotic-resistant foot infections, and if they are not treated promptly, amputation can sometimes be the result."

Persons with diabetes are at greater risk for superbug infections for several reasons. Elevated blood sugar levels result in lower immunity to infections. Many persons with diabetes have a history of recurrent or chronic foot wounds known as ulcers. Bacteria can enter the body through the foot wound and cause infection. Past use of antibiotics, combined with a chronic foot ulcer and lowered immunity to infection are ideal conditions for a superbug to take hold.

Elizabeth McClelland knows first-hand how devastating a superbug infection can be. A 67 year-old resident of Port Coquitlam, Elizabeth had been in and out of hospital for treatment of diabetes-related health issues for years. Three years ago, she picked up a superbug called MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) while receiving treatment for a diabetes-related ulcer on her foot.

"The virus [MRSA bacteriae] entered through the wound and then traveled through my body," she recounts. "It went into my lungs, my bladder, even my nose." She has been fighting the infection for years, but says, "It's very hard to get rid of. It has been more than three years and I'm still a mess."

"As a person with diabetes, managing your blood sugar to reduce the double risk of a lowered immunity and open foot wounds or ulcers is key," says Dr. Kalla. "And good foot health is a must to allow for exercise and a healthy lifestyle."

Persons with diabetes can find out more about maintaining their foot health and overall health at the Be Smart and Walk Well with Diabetes free public health fair, sponsored by the BC Association of Podiatrists. The health fair takes place on Sunday, November 4, 2007 and offers the public a wealth of information on managing their diabetes through diet, exercise and preventive health screenings.

From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Marriott Pinnacle Hotel Vancouver (1128 West Hastings St.), people can consult with medical practitioners, specialists, podiatrists and healthy living experts and get a free foot screening and blood glucose screening. Call 604-602-0400 or visit www.foothealth.ca for more information.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Hayden Jackson at 604-623-3007