Preventing Diabetic Foot Amputations

by Rose Broyles

Anyone who is familiar with Diabetes knows that it can be a devastating disease that can rob you of your limbs and even of your life. For most people, diabetes can be controlled with the proper mix of diet, medicine and exercise and for  others, there may come a point where they may experience complications that result in the necessary amputation of a limb.

Approximately 80,000 amputations of toes, feet and lower legs occur every year. Experts say that these amputations can be prevented if people would just take proper care of their feet.

How does it happen?

Over time, high glucose levels damage the nerves and blood vessels. So what is the result? Over 600,000 diabetics end up getting foot ulcers every year. Reasons why this occurs are listed below:

• Poor circulation – slow healing time
  
• Neuropathy – loss of sensation can mean not noticing small wounds that may turn gangrenous.

If the patient does nothing, obviously conditions get worse. Of those who do end up getting a limb amputated, they end up dying within 5 years.  Anything as minor as a nick from a nail clipper can cause complications.

What to do

It can cost up to $8000 to cure a slow to heal ulcer and $17000 for an infected ulcer. Experts suggest  a few things that the patient can do to prevent a limb amputation.

• Routine foot checkups with the doctor where calluses and nails can be trimmed and smoothed. Also, the doctor will be able to check for any wounds or infections.
• telescoping mirrors for diabetics who can’t move much- these will allow them to look at any wounds that may have developed
• infrared thermometers that can detect changes in skin temperature that might signal a forming ulcer
• foot support such hose, special shoes -anything that helps alleviate foot pressure
• removable walking casts for advanced ulcers that require artificial grafting of skin- these ease pressure best, but not usually covered under plans.

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