Untreated diabetes causing ‘epidemic’ of amputations among Black Canadians

But if I lose that second leg. Dwayne Lee lost his right foot to a blood clot in his 30s. Now he's terrified he'll lose the other to diabetes. If I lose this leg, I lose all ability and then I probably would be wheelchair bound. Looked at white, South Asian and black populations and it was surprising. Doctors say despite higher rates of diabetes among S Asians, Black people are experiencing an epidemic of amputations. Due to untreated diabetes in the US, Black diabetics lose limbs at triple the rate of others. The most recent Stats Can data reveals Black men and women are twice as likely to die from diabetes compared to white men and women. There are many things that could explain why this ratio is so much higher. Studies point to systemic racism and social marginalization, which deeply impacts a person's education, income and food security. And Black Canadians aren't being screened for diabetes as often as others. When you diagnose diabetes late, you treat it late. It's already more severe, so then they're more likely to get amputations. All Canadians are supposed to be screened for signs of diabetes at 40, which can include foot checks. I'm looking for any breaks or openings in the skin. This training program at Toronto General trains care workers to look for wounds, infections and loss of feeling. Scientists say foot checks can prevent 85% of diabetes related amputations. This is vital. It is amazing because it is so simple. It's a really great scalable solution to what otherwise feels like an unmanageable problem in the community. We need awareness. Lee says more black Canadians need to start talking about foot checks. It's a small but potentially life changing step. Christine Birak, CBC News Toronto.