Hyderabad, Dec 08: FootDoctor Hospital organized a walkathon in Hyderabad to raise awareness on diabetic foot care an increasingly critical health concern as India continues to hold the highest number of diabetes cases in the world. The event was inaugurated by former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu, along with Tollywood actor Sushant, KIMS Hospitals Chairman & Managing Director Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao, and Delhi Public School Chairman Ramesh Gorantla.
Experts highlighted that 15–25% of diabetics are at risk of developing foot ulcers, and many may eventually require amputation if early symptoms are ignored.
Key Messages from Dignitaries
Shri Venkaiah Naidu emphasized the silent onset of diabetes, stating that many people remain unaware until complications develop.
He urged citizens to adopt an active lifestyle through walking, yoga and physical exercise, warning that dependence on gadgets and smartphones has reduced physical activity significantly. He further stressed the importance of timely treatment for foot ulcers, loss of vision, and injuries, to prevent severe outcomes including amputation.
Ramesh Gorantla, Chairman, Delhi Public School, expressed concern over the rising incidence of diabetes among younger individuals. He said minor injuries in diabetics take longer to heal, and if untreated, can lead to amputations. He added that early foot screening for children, especially those involved in sports, can prevent long-term complications such as flat feet.
Tollywood actor Sushant highlighted that awareness about foot-care specialists is still limited. He urged the public to seek specialized foot clinics at the earliest signs of abnormalities, especially given the growing prevalence of diabetes.
Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao, CMD, KIMS Hospitals, noted that nerve damage in diabetics often masks pain, leading to neglected ulcers. He stated that 85% of diabetic amputations occur due to untreated foot ulcers, and timely treatment is crucial to prevent such outcomes.
Dr. Narendranadh Meda, Director & CEO, The Foot Doctor Hospital, stressed that even small wounds can turn severe if ignored due to neuropathy. Regular diabetes check-ups, including dedicated foot examinations, can significantly reduce the risk of amputation. He added,“Our goal through this walkathon is awareness timely care saves feet, saves lives.”
App Launch & New Technology for Personalized Foot Protection
During the walkathon, FootDoctor Hospital launched the Dr. Wound App, enabling patients to receive safe at-home wound care with real-time monitoring by specialists reducing hospital visits, time, and cost.
Additionally, the hospital introduced a custom footwear technology that creates personalized shoes based on precise foot measurements, offering enhanced protection and helping diabetic patients prevent injuries.
