Pulitzer Prize Journalist David Broder Shares Personal Story

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA) -- One of the most devastating complications of diabetes is the loss of limbs.

Georgetown University Hospital's Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference at the JW Marriott is all about preventing such scenarios.

Diabetes attacks the circulatory system, nerves and joints, making it difficult for open sores, ulcers and wounds to heal.

Washington Post Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist David Broder shared his story about living with diabetes for over 15 years and what finally made him realize the seriousness of making frequent checks and getting immediate care.

Broder admits that he never much allowed diabetes to hamper any of his opportunities or his job as a political op-ed columnist, until, he says, the Iowa Presidential Caucus.

"I never really let it become a big factor in my life. I hadn't thought much about my feet and how important they are to you, until I started having some of those problems," explains Broder.

"I was out in Iowa covering the caucus for the Presidential campaign and I had a crack between 2 of my toes and I just neglected it. I let it get infected."

When Mr. Broder returned to Washington, his physician. Dr. Chris Attinger with Georgetown University Hospital, told him that the infection had traveled deep into his feet and that amputation would be needed.

"They've saved both feet, but I don't have the full foot anymore. I lost the toes on my left foot and I lost the big toe on my right foot," Broder explains.

Today, Mr. Broder wears special shoes and knows the consequences of leaving a wound unattended, especially if you are someone living with diabetes.

"I walk more slowly, my stride is shorter than it used to be but I am still able to do my job and live my life," explains Broder.

Mr. Broder also says a day doesn't go by when he doesn't look at his feet and do the proper checks. He hopes others take the same precautions and communicate with their doctors about any problems.

To see the complete interview, view the video on the right.

The Georgetown University Hospital Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference will take place from September 24-26th at the JW Marriott.