Diabetic amputation is common, with 60% of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations in the US happening to diabetics. Proper diabetes management and foot care are crucial in preventing amputation, along with regular doctor appointments to catch and treat problems early.
Diabetic amputation is quite common, with more than 60 percent of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States happening to diabetics, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That equates to about 71,000 amputations in 2004, according to the CDC. While common, diabetes amputation is also highly preventable.
People with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are at risk for various secondary health conditions. Improper management and delayed treatment of these conditions can lead to the amputation of toes, feet and even legs. Fortunately, diabetics and their doctors can help prevent diabetes amputation by properly managing their diabetes and the secondary conditions associated with the disease.
The most common types of diabetes amputation include foot amputation, leg amputation, and toe amputation. This is because secondary conditions associated with diabetes are often related to poor blood circulation, and the lower parts of the body usually suffer the most. Common secondary conditions associated with diabetes include diabetic neuropathies – which cause damage to the nerves – and vascular disorders – which cause damage to blood vessels. Other conditions that may not be directly related to diabetes but increase the need for diabetes amputation include toenail disorders and foot deformities complicated by one or more secondary conditions. All of these conditions put diabetics at risk of developing an infection or the gangrene of diabetes, both of which increase the need for diabetes amputation.
Diabetes amputation prevention is a two-pronged process that includes proper diabetes management and diabetic foot care. Diabetics learn early on how to manage their diabetes by making healthy diet and exercise changes and by monitoring and managing blood glucose levels. It’s important for most diabetics to reduce their sugar intake, become more physically active, and develop a healthy sleep routine. Doctors usually also recommend reducing or eliminating alcohol and nicotine consumption. Many diabetics also need to take diabetes management medications.
While proper diabetes management is crucial for diabetics to live a healthy life, diabetic foot care is just as important in helping to prevent diabetes amputation. Diabetics must work to keep their feet clean, dry, and warm. They also need to regularly inspect and treat their feet for cuts, bruises, and swelling. Even simple matters like choosing shoes that fit properly and trimming toenails at the correct angle are important to diabetic foot care.
Even after diabetes management and foot care routines have been established, it is important for diabetics to consult their doctors regularly. Diabetics trying to avoid diabetic amputation should see their doctors whenever they notice a problem with their feet. If the problem is caught early enough, a doctor may be able to treat and repair the damage without amputation, or remove just the damaged tissue without amputating the entire body part. Diabetics should also keep their medical appointments regularly scheduled. These appointments will allow their doctors to inspect their feet and detect any problems they may have missed.
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