Around 500 people undergo some form of amputation every year in Mauritius due to Type 2 Diabetes. 85% of these cases could have been prevented through appropriate care & instruction. To combat this alarming situation, APSA set up a Foot Care Clinic in 2004 which is currently registered as a Health Care Unit with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The aim of APSA’s Foot Care Clinic is to look after the diabetic foot so as to prevent the on-set of complications. Surgeons, doctors, nurses and health care assistants, all work together alongside the patient to offer a wide range of appropriate care.

Activities

• Foot assessment
• Preventive care for nails, corns & calluses
• Wound Care

Diabetes causes a variety of physical bodily complications including peripheral neuropathy in both the feet and legs. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy coupled with peripheral vascular disease, improper foot care, and lack of instruction in foot care, increases the risk of amputation.

The neurological rehabilitation program (neurorehabilitation) has been designed for patients suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms. It is supervised by a doctor and an occupational therapist and enables patients suffering from neuropathy to regain sensitivity in their feet and to reduce pain and cramps, therefore improving balance and walking. This programme has a direct impact on reducing the risk of amputation.

Activities

• Foot care instruction
• Simple foot exercises for neuropathy
• Aerobic & other exercises
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Since 2014, the Foot Care Caravan travels to different regions in Mauritius. The aim is to help prevent amputation and to reduce the impact that complications associated with a diabetic foot can have. Our dedicated team of nurses, dietitians and health educators meets and assists those suffering from diabetes. The programme involves foot assessments, foot check-ups, and foot care instruction. It has had a significant impact on peoples’ lives who are consequently better equipped to look after their health and in particular their feet. The various services offered by the Foot Care Caravan are all free of charge.

Activities

• Diabetes screening
• Foot assessment
• Instruction
• Distributing the booklet ‘Je prends mes pieds en main’