April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, a time when we come together to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those who have experienced limb loss and limb difference. At Wounds Canada, our mission is to improve the lives of people at risk for or living with wounds and by promoting wound prevention and care across our country.

As we recognize Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we want to highlight the connection between the risk of limb loss and wounds related to diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. In Canada, an estimated 3 million people have diabetes, and approximately 20% of them will develop foot ulcers, which can lead to limb amputations if left untreated. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is another condition that can cause wounds that may lead to limb loss.

We believe that education and awareness are key to promoting better wound care and preventing limb loss. That's why we encourage all Canadians to take steps to prevent wounds and to seek appropriate care if they do develop wounds.

If you or someone you know is living with wounds related to diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, it's important to seek professional care as soon as possible. Wounds Canada has education, training, tools and informational resources to support you in your community as you move forward on your healing journey.

Let's work together to raise awareness about limb loss and the importance of wound prevention and care. Together, we can make a difference and improve the lives of people living with wounds across Canada.

• Join the conversation and raise awareness about diabetes- and PAD-related limb loss by getting involved with us on social media. Following, liking, replying to and reposting Wounds Canada's messages on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn can amplify our message and promote important prevention resources throughout the month of April. Just use the hashtags #ActAgainstAmputation #LimbLossAwarenessMonth #PAD
• Talk about prevention of diabetes- and PAD-related limb loss, including risk factors, prevention, and available support, to increase awareness in your community as well as improve the lives of people at risk for limb loss—and their families. If you or your loved one is living with limb loss, use your voice to help raise awareness or share your experience with our team by going to https://www.woundscanada.ca/patient-or-caregiver/patient-stories/share-your-patient-caregiver-story
• Check out Wounds Canada resources if you have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease and want to know more about preventing limb loss. Visit the patient/caregiver section of the Wounds Canada website to explore the wide range of patient-focused resources available for free download. Available here: https://www.woundscanada.ca/patient-or-caregiver
• Make a charitable donation to Wounds Canada to help us provide essential support and resources to those affected by limb loss. Your generosity can change lives! Donate here.

1. For patients: If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is crucial for preventing complications like nerve damage, ulcers and amputation. Don't wait until it’s too late; do daily foot exams yourself (check out Caring for Your Feet: Safe Foot Care if You Have Diabetes to learn how) and get your feet checked regularly by an expert. #ActAgainstAmputation #LimbLossAwarenessMonth
2. For patients: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can cause wounds that may lead to limb loss. Don't ignore the warning signs! Learn how to prevent amputations and improve your quality of life. Check out this resource to learn more. #LimbLossAwareness #ActAgainstAmputation
3. For patients: Don't let delayed diagnosis put you at risk for limb loss associated with PAD and critical limb ischemia. If you have diabetes, talk to your health-care provider to make sure to get screened for PAD regularly to prevent negative outcomes and to lower your amputation risk. 
4. For health-care providers: Did you know that people with diabetes are 15 times more likely to undergo an amputation than those without? Promote diabetes education and prevention to change this statistic. Wounds Canada has a number of patient-focused resources, such as the Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You website (https://www.woundscanada.ca/for-patients-public) and Care at Home series (https://www.woundscanada.ca/patient-or-caregiver/resources/care-at-home-series) that can help. #ActAgainstAputation #LimbLossAwarenessMonth 
5. For health-care providers: Did you know that  prevention is key when it comes to limb loss and limb difference? That's why we've developed resources to help health-care professionals prevent and manage these types of wounds. Check out the updated best practice recommendations for Peripheral Arterial Ulcers and Diabetic Foot Ulcers for the latest research-based information that you can apply to your practice today. #LimbLossAwareness #ActAgainstAmputation
6. For everyone: Let's raise awareness and advocate for policies that prioritize timely screening and prevention. See the Pathway for Preventing Diabetic Foot Complications and Pathway for Preventing and Managing Arterial Wounds for overviews of optimum care pathways for addressing the issue of limb loss caused by diabetes and arterial insufficiency. #LimbLossAwareness #ActAgainstAmputation #PADscreening

In 2023 Wounds Canada joined forces with the American Limb Preservation Society, the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association and D-Foot International to create a Limb Preservation Alliance to address, promote and advocate for limb preservation. The new alliance aligns with Wounds Canada’s mission to enable health-care providers to improve their practice and ensure the best possible care for persons with wounds or at risk for developing wounds. In 2024, the Caribbean Wounds Network joined the alliance.