Addressing Canada’s Diabetes-Related Amputation Crisis: A Humanitarian Perspective

A Personal Connection to the Issue

When I was volunteering in marginalized communities in India, I saw up close how tough life could be for people with limited mobility, especially those living with diabetes. Walking with them wasn’t just about helping them get somewhere—it was about appreciating the act of walking itself, something I’ve always loved. I’d slow down to match their pace, and in those moments, we’d connect. I’d listen to their stories, learning about their resilience, their frustrations, and their dreams for solutions that could help them stay independent. I’ll never forget the fears they shared—the fear of losing a limb, becoming reliant on others, or feeling like they’d lost who they were.

It made me realize how much we take walking for granted. For most of us, walking is just something we do without thinking, but for people with diabetes, it’s a careful, deliberate act—one that comes with risks and constant worries. One moment I’ll never forget was walking with a 76 year old woman who had been managing diabetes for decades. Every step she took was full of effort and awareness, as though she was walking a tightrope. She told me how she worried about ulcers and infections every day but refused to let that stop her from staying connected to her family and community. Her courage and determination left an impression on me that will stay with me forever. It’s stories like hers that drive my commitment to helping prevent diabetic foot complications and to protect the dignity and quality of life of those affected.

Shaping a Future Rooted in Compassion

My connection to this cause comes from the heart. Spending time with elderly individuals in these communities taught me that mobility is about so much more than just getting from one place to another. It’s about holding on to independence, dignity, and the connections that make life meaningful. Every step matters, and my love for walking has driven me to create tools and solutions that help others walk with confidence, freedom, and hope.

This belief is what paved the way for the creation of DiabeticSole. I wanted to build something that could stop diabetic foot complications in their tracks before they became unmanageable—a tool designed to prevent problems rather than just react to them. DiabeticSole is not just a device; it’s a promise to those who worry about every step they take. By using advanced technology to monitor foot health in real-time, it empowers individuals and their healthcare providers to take action early. It’s my way of turning the stories and struggles I’ve encountered into meaningful change.

Addressing Canada’s diabetes-related amputation crisis requires innovative thinking and compassionate action. It’s not just about numbers or technology; it’s about the people behind those numbers. Step by step, with the right focus and collaboration, we can help prevent these complications and create a future where walking remains something everyone can take for granted—in the best way possible.