BETHESDA, MD -- (Marketwire) -- 11/13/12 -- More than 8 percent of the entire US population -- 26 million people -- currently suffer from diabetes. That includes 12 percent of US Hispanics, who see the disease affecting their community at a higher rate.

Nearly 90 percent of US Hispanics with the disease or at risk have not visited a podiatrist, according to the results of a new survey commissioned by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA, www.apma.org).

The survey, which collected information from a nationally representative panel of US Hispanics, found that while nearly 75 percent of respondents with or at risk for diabetes know that the feet are negatively affected by the disease, the vast majority are not seeking the proper foot care they need.

"The feet often display the first signs of diabetes, which is why today's podiatrist is such an important specialist in the diabetes management team," said Joseph M. Caporusso, DPM, APMA president. "Taking a few brief moments to 'knock your socks off' at a podiatrist's office to have feet examined can reduce amputation rates by 45 to 85 percent."

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 60 percent of non-traumatic, lower-limb amputations occur as a result of complications from diabetes. Including today's podiatrist in the diabetes management team has been proven to be a vital step to preventing ulcers and amputation.

APMA's "Knock Your Socks Off" campaign aims to educate the Hispanic community and the general public about the importance of having your feet checked by a podiatrist if you have diabetes or are at risk for the disease. For more information and complete survey findings, visit www.apma.org/diabetes.

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The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading professional organization for today's podiatrists. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are qualified by their education, training, and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of more than 12,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.

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