Diabetes
and amputation
Diabetes-related
lower-extremity amputation rates are elevated in blacks
compared with whites in the U.S., but are lower in
African Caribbeans in the U.K., whereas anecdotal
reports suggest high rates in the Caribbean.
According
to U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, people
with diabetes follow these tips for protecting their
feet:
- Look
for cuts, cracks, splinters, blisters, and calluses
on the feet each day. Call your doctor if such wounds
do not heal after one day.
- Wash
your feet in warm--not hot--water and dry them well.
- When
trimming your toenails, cut them straight across
and slightly round the edges with an emery board.
- Rub
lotion on the tops and bottoms of feet--but not
between the toes--to prevent cracking and drying.
- Wear
soft, dry socks and supportive, enclosed shoes (not
sandals) that fit well and protect your feet.
- When
sitting, keep the blood flowing to your lower limbs
by propping your feet up and moving your toes and
ankles for a few minutes at a time.
- Keep
your blood sugar level under control by eating healthy
foods, staying active, and taking your diabetes
medicines.
Diabetes,
when present in the body over many years, can give
rise to all sorts of complications. These include
heart disease, kidney disease, retinopathy and neuropathy.
If left untreated, some of these complications can
become extremely damaging to the body. One of the
most potentially serious complications regards neuropathy,
which at its most severe can lead to amputation.
Diabetes
is one the leading causes of amputation of the lower
limbs throughout the world. Problems of the foot are
the most frequent reasons for hospitalisation amongst
patients who have diabetes.
Many hospital visits due to diabetes-related foot
problems are preventable through simple foot care
routines. All people who have diabetes should have
foot check-ups as a part of their regular care routine.
Doctors
estimate that almost half of all amputations are caused
by neuropathy and circulatory problems that could
be prevented.
Are
diabetes-related amputations much more common than
other types of amputation?
Amongst
people who have diabetes, amputations are reported
to be 15 times more common than amongst other people.
50 per cent of all amputations occur in people who
have diabetes.
What
factors lead to amputation?
Several
key factors usually predispose ulceration and ultimately
amputation. These include peripheral neuropathy, vascular
disease, infection and deformity of the feet.
How
are these factors assessed?
All people
who have diabetes should have a basic education in
foot care, and beyond this they should have regular
foot examinations. The risk for the development of
ulceration can be assessed by basic clinical examination
of the foot.
What
are major and minor amputations?
Amputations
in general, not just diabetes-related amputations,
are classed as major and minor. Minor amputation regards
removal or toes or feet. Major amputation refers to
the above or below the knee amputation.
Does
age influence diabetes and amputation?
Diabetic
foot complications are more common amongst the elderly,
and amputation rates do increase with age. For people
over 75 years old, the risk does increase considerably.
How
do diabetic foot ulcers heal?
For diabetes-related
foot ulcers to heal properly, adequate blood supply
is essential. Insufficient flow of blood can contribute
to a prolonged non-healing of the foot. Foot ischaemia
is a major contributory factor to many amputations.
How
should I identify a foot at risk from amputation?
Please
see: Diabetic
Foot
Diabetes and
herbal remedies, Diabetes and herbs, Diabetes and
herbal supplements, Diabetes home herbs, Diabetes
and alternative medicine
