Why Is Amputation So Common In Diabetes Patients?

Diabetes is linked with many health complications, including nerve damage and foot complications. In many cases, these foot complications can also lead to amputations, if not treated on time. 

Amputations have become very common in diabetes. However, with proper care and precautions, you may prevent this complication. Understanding more about the connection between diabetes and amputation will give you a better insight into the importance of foot care in diabetes.

Why Do People With Diabetes Have A Higher Risk Of Amputations? 

Diabetes patients have a higher risk of suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD). In this condition, your blood vessels narrow down and the blood flow in your limbs is reduced, making your body more prone to developing sores and wounds. In addition, if you have diabetes, you may also suffer from peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which your nerves are damaged. As a result, you may feel numb and unaware of the pain, leading your wounds to grow and become infected. Furthermore, reduced blood flow in your limbs also may make your body inefficient and slow at healing wounds and fighting infections. 

Due to reduced blood flow, nerve damage and slow healing, many times ulcers and wounds go unnoticed until they become so severe that amputation remains the only option of treatment.  

Is Amputation Necessary For All Foot Wounds? 

Not all foot complications in diabetes will require amputations. Amputations are only necessary when the wound or ulcer cannot be healed by any other means. In case you do require amputations, your doctor will ensure the removal of the smallest possible tissue. Amputations do not always mean the removal of the entire leg.

Amputations are of two types: major and minor. Minor amputation involves removal of toes and feet, whereas major amputation involves removal of the leg above or below the knee. The number of tissues to be removed highly depends on your infection. However, in most cases, people with diabetes suffer only from minor amputations.  

How Common Are Amputations In Diabetes?

Amputations in diabetes are very common. About 85% of amputations that happen every year in the world are caused due to diabetes. The frequency of amputations in diabetes patients is 10 to 20 times more as compared to others. Therefore, it is extremely important to take measures to prevent foot complications in diabetes.

Warning Signs To Look Out For

If you recognise your foot complications in time, there is a high chance that you may avoid amputations. There are certain warning signs and symptoms that you should always look out for if you have diabetes.

• Inflammation in the feet
• Open sores and blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Pain in the feet
• Redness and active bleeding
• An ulcer that is not getting healed
• Discolouration of the skin in the feet

How To Prevent Diabetes Amputations?

Maintain Your Blood Sugar Levels:

High blood sugar levels are responsible for causing peripheral artery disease and neuropathy, which eventually leads to foot complications. Therefore, controlling your blood sugar levels is extremely important to prevent amputations. Some of the best tips to regulate your blood glucose levels are listed below.

• Reduce your stress by yoga and meditation     
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Exercise daily and stay physically active
• Take your insulin and medications on time
• Avoid foods that have added sugar
• Maintain healthy body weight and blood pressure levels

Take Care of Your Feet:

You must take care of your feet to avoid foot complications that might lead to amputations. The following tips will help you take care of your feet better.

• Examine your feet twice a day for wounds, sores and blisters
• Boost the blood flow in your legs by wiggling your toes 
• Wash your feet daily and apply lotion to keep them moisturized
• Always wear dry socks
• Trim your toenails to avoid cuts and blisters
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Avoid walking barefoot

Takeaway:

Amputations in diabetes are very common. Some of the leading factors responsible for diabetes amputations are foot ulcers, reduced blood flow, peripheral neuropathy and slow wound healing. However, if you maintain your blood sugar levels and take care of your feet daily, you may avoid foot complications and eventually amputations.   

References:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324875
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/amputation-and-diabetes/art-20048262
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-amputation
4. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-amputation.html
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4218993/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4923303/