Every day, 230 Americans undergo
diabetes-related amputations.¹
It doesn’t have to be this way. LEAP 2030 is dedicated to solving the problem of lower extremity amputations. Did you know that more than 80% of amputations begin with nonhealing foot ulcers?² We’re focused on educating clinicians and the public about simple ways to prevent these ulcers from forming. Our goals may be ambitious, but together we can accomplish almost anything.
Take a stand for diabetic foot health. Join us as we leap forward and elevate life.
An Ounce of Prevention
Preventive healthcare for patients with chronic diseases is essential. It helps prevent complications, disability and death while also reducing burden on the healthcare system.
Diabetes is an exceptionally costly chronic disease. According to the CDC, the total cost of medical care and lost productivity for people with diagnosed diabetes was $327 billion.³ Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and lower extremity amputation.
HEDIS® Measures
The NCQA has a HEDIS® measure for Comprehensive Diabetes Care. This includes testing for HbA1c, blood pressure and an annual diabetic eye exam. The requirement for a diabetic eye exam has been life-changing. Over the last several decades, these recommended retinal exams have decreased the incidence of diabetes-related blindness, which means significantly improved quality of life for those with diabetes.
LEAP 2030 wants to establish a diabetic foot assessment as part of the Comprehensive Diabetes Care HEDIS® measure. We’re calling this the HEDIS Pedis™. This will result in a reduction of diabetes-related lower extremity amputations.
Read more about the HEDIS Pedis™.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
Primary care physicians will perform a diabetic foot assessment that will lead to being able to identify their patient’s risk for developing diabetic foot complications.
This leads to more risk stratification and more referrals for continued at risk foot care by podiatrists. Podiatrists are specialists and are comprehensive in their review of risk factors. Better outcomes begin with more engaged patients.
How You Can Take a Stand
For the Public
Diabetes touches the lives of millions of Americans. Even if you’re not one of the 37+ million Americans with diabetes⁴, you probably have an affected family member or friend.
For Clinicians
Clinicians are the first line of defense in promoting lower extremity health. You can do simple things to improve the lives of patients you see every day.
