Citing the unprecedented worldwide rise in diabetes and its complications, David G. Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director of the University of Arizona’s Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) compared it to another disease. “No one says that ‘I’ve got a touch of cancer’ and yet this is the pervasive notion about diabetes and its complications. Very few realize that a wound immediately doubles your risk for sudden death and an amputation cuts your chances of surviving three years to 50%.” The program, which featured more than 7 lectures and workshops with Armstrong, covered topics ranging from reconstructive surgery to smart textiles to human-machine interfaces. It concluded this weekend in Sydney’s Luna Park.