THE DANGERS OF AMUPTATION WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES
Did you know that more than half of all amputations are related to diabetes? Regular visits to your podiatrist will actually help to reduce the risk of amputations and hospitalization. The leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations are related to diabetic complications. If you are living with diabetes it is important to take care of your lower limbs and feet. Diabetes increases your risks of amputation but you can take precautions to prevent this from happening. If your doctor discovers an infection, he will try to address the infection and encourage regeneration of damaged tissue.
Nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy (the medical term), occurs with diabetes and decreases your ability to identify pain or discomfort in the feet. As you get older, there is an even greater risk of developing diabetic neuropathy due to inadequate glucose control. Narrowing of the blood vessels, along with a reduction in blood flow and oxygen to the feet and legs is a common symptom withthe elderly. Elderly persons need to be extremely cautious with lower limbs and feet and include daily check in their diabetes health regime.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons reports that a decrease in nutrients along with impaired circulation and neuropathy can cause abrasions such as cuts and blisters to develop into ulcers. Left untreated those ulcers can spread to the bone causing major infection and complications that may lead to amputation, or even loss of life.
Ingrown toenails along with fungal infections are major issues for the diabetic population. If you do not check your feet on a regular basis, infections can go unnoticed due to diabetic neuropathy. Shoes that are too tight or that do not fit well due to Hammertoes and bunions can bruise and blister the feet, leading to ulcers and infection.
Most often the nerves in the feet are affected because they are the longest nerves in the body. Nearly half the amputations related to persons living with diabetes could have been avoided if proper foot care was implemented. Here are some tips for healthy limbs and help to prevent unnecessary amputations:
- When cleaning your feet use warm water and a mild soap (bar or liquid)
- Do not soak your feet. Dry your feet with a clean soft towel drying carefully between the toes.
- Incorporate foot and lower limb exams into your daily routine. Notify your doctor if there are any changes to your lower limbs such as discoloration, swelling, redness, cuts or skin irritations.
- Do not apply lotion between the toes when moisturizing your feet.
- Check your toe nails on a weekly basis to see if they need to be cut. When cutting your toe nails carefully cut the nail to the shape of your toe, file rough edges with an emery board.
- Always cover your feet to avoid injury and wear seamless socks.
- Use care and caution when using heating pads or electric blankets to avoid burning your skin.
- Exercise on a regular basis to reduce your weight or to maintain a healthy weight.
The Bermuda Diabetes Association is proud to partner with the Amputee Association of Bermuda on educating the diabetic community in the prevention of amputations. There are over 1000 known amputees in Bermuda. TheAmputee Association of Bermudais a support group offering education and information on how to take care of amputated limbs. The Association also offers support to families of amputees. For Further information please contact Dauphine Dickinson at 234-2591 or 518-3557.
KuniFrith-Black ND, Executive Director - Bermuda Diabetes Association