(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-08 15:44

BEIJING -- Diabetics in north China are more likely to suffer from foot ulcers and amputations than those in the south of the country, according to a new survey.

The survey of 634 patients in 14 first-rate hospitals in seven provinces and two municipalities showed that people living north of the Yangtze River are more likely to suffer diabetes-induced foot ulcers.

Diabetics in the north are also more likely to have aggravated local ulcers,greater risk of coronary heart disease and eye damage. The rate of recovery from foot ulcers in the north is lower than the south.

Research shows that 2.6 percent of diabetics in the south suffer amputations, while the figure is 9.7 percent in the north.

The reason was the diet and lifestyle differences between the north and south, said Wang Yuzhen, a doctor at the 306 Hospital Affiliated to People's Liberation Army of China, who led the research.

The diet of northerners generally contained higher levels of sugar and fat, and relatively less fibre, said Wang.

"Drinking and smoking also contribute to the high incidence of diabetes and diabetes-induced foot ulcer," said Wang.

Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes. After ten years with the condition, 40 percent are at risk of foot ulcers, which can lead to amputation or even death. The study showed that a diabetic has a foot amputated every 30 seconds somewhere in the world.

Wang said the best way to avoid the ailment was to change to a healthy diet and to give up drinking and smoking.