Update on the ADA’s Amputation Prevention Alliance

On Wednesday morning, Chris Fox, senior vice president of external affairs at the American Diabetes Association (ADA), presented the latest information on the ADA’s Amputation Prevention Alliance (APA). 

In 2020, the ADA initiated the #HealthEquityNow campaign, focusing on systemic barriers to health and health care. This campaign introduced the Health Equity Bill of Rights, which outlines essential rights for individuals with diabetes, including access to affordable medications, healthy food, comprehensive insurance, and the prevention of amputations.

Key issues highlighted include the alarming rate of diabetes-related amputations in the United States, with 1 occurring every 3 minutes, and they are often preventable. The risk is notably higher among communities of color, underscoring the urgent need for equitable care.

The APA aims to reduce amputations and related mortality by promoting policy changes, increasing clinician awareness, and empowering patient advocacy. Recent focus group findings reveal that while patients often lack resources, those who are informed and advocate for themselves tend to have better outcomes. However, many patients are unaware of peripheral artery disease and its risks, and the need for second opinions is critical but underutilized.

In July 2023, a summit in Washington, DC, addressed amputation prevention through a comprehensive agenda that included understanding the current landscape, clinician panels, and policy considerations. The APA has also launched a series of educational webinars for both patients and clinicians, reaching thousands and highlighting the importance of recognizing risks and improving care.

The APA’s policy principles emphasize timely and equitable access to medical tools, quality care to avoid unnecessary amputations, and a collaborative, team-based approach to prevention. This ongoing work is crucial for advancing care and reducing disparities in diabetes-related amputations.