Tropical diabetic hand syndrome: prevention through education

  • Kennedy Iredia Akhuemokhan Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital
  • Peter Odion Okokhere Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital
  • Patric Echekwube Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital
  • Francis Bakpa Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital
Keywords: Tropical Diabetic Hand Syndrome

Abstract

Tropical diabetic hand syndrome describes an acute symptom complex found in patients with diabetes in the tropics, usually following minor trauma to the hand. Two different patients, both previously diagnosed with diabetes, suddenly developed an abscess of the hand that progressively worsened, and became an ulcer that was difficult, to manage at the referring private hospitals. The hands and lives of both patients were saved. The frequency of these cases appears to be increasing. Aggressive glycaemic control is a vital control measure for upper limb sepsis. Education remains the most important preventive tool in underdeveloped countries, and should remain an integral part of prevention.

Author Biographies

Kennedy Iredia Akhuemokhan, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital
Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist Department of Medicine Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua Edo State Nigeria
Peter Odion Okokhere, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital
Consultant Physician and Cardiologist Department of Medicine Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua Edo State Nigeria
Patric Echekwube, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital
Department of Medicine Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua Edo State Nigeria
Francis Bakpa, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital
Department of Medicine Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua Edo State Nigeria
Published
2011-11-13
How to Cite
Akhuemokhan, K., Okokhere, P., Echekwube, P., & Bakpa, F. (2011). Tropical diabetic hand syndrome: prevention through education. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 24(4), 205-208. Retrieved from http://sajcn.redbricklibrary.com/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/553
Section
Short Reports or Scientific Letters