The Mississippi Diabetes Program is a federally funded state-based program to reduce the burden of diabetes. A Health Systems Approach is used for surveillance and planning to increase state level capacity in diabetes prevention and control.

The program focus is to reduce the burden of diabetes in Mississippi through the following activities: define and monitor the burden of diabetes, develop new approaches, implement specific measures, and coordinate and integrate efforts to reduce the economic and social consequences of diabetes.

The Mississippi Diabetes Prevention and Control Program is conducting Level I and II Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention (LEAP) workshops for healthcare providers. These continuing education workshops certify participants to conduct a screening for the loss of protective sensation which will identify persons with diabetes at high risk for plantar ulceration.

Foot ulcers and amputations are a major of cause morbidity, disability, as well as emotional, and physical costs for people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Recommendations advises that all individuals with diabetes receive an annual foot examination to identify high-risk foot conditions and persons with neuropathy should have a visual inspection at every visit with a health care professional.

According to the Mississippi BRFSS, the number of persons receiving a foot exam biannually, decreased from 50% in 1997 to 41% in 2000. Early recognition and management of independent risk factors for ulcers and amputations can prevent or delay the onset of adverse outcomes. Increased provider education and patient education is key to the prevention of lower extremity amputations.

Additionally, participants will have the knowledge and skills to:

• Understand the five part LEAP program and how it can be used to reduce lower extremity amputations;
• Perform a diabetic foot screen;
• Cut toenails properly on an insensitive foot with a Nail Nipper;
• Trim calluses on an insensitive foot with the scalpel;
• Remove callus formation and dry skin around nail beds with a curette;
• Determine appropriateness and proper fit footwear for the insensitive foot;
• Measure and fit patient with support hose; and
• Assess temperature of the foot and interpret the results using the temperature scanner.

The Diabetes Program provides insulin and syringes to individuals ages 21 and under and to pregnant women of any age who meet specific income guidelines, are not eligible for Medicaid, and do not have private insurance. Individuals receiving Medicaid assistance are eligible to obtain syringes only. All individuals must have a referral from their private physician and be residents of Mississippi. In FY 2003, the Diabetes Program conducted 377 treatment (nurse) visits.

Find out more
For more information about Diabetes, contact our Chronic Disease division at (601) 576-7781.