Diabetes Information: Amputation: How Problems Can Occur

Diabetes Information: Amputation: How Problems Can Occur
Islets of Hope

Chronic high blood glucose levels can restrict blood flow and diminish circulation to the lower limbs, especially the feet. The problem is worse for older a persons and those who have had diabetes longer periods of time (true for both type 1 or type 2 diabetes). Perhaps one of the most important prediction variables, and one that can be avoided with proper daily attention to blood glucose levels, is whether or not the person has been managing their diabetes effectively.

Poor circulation makes it harder to treat infections and ulcers, made harder still when blood glucose levels are high. Neuropathy, (damage to nerves) can make it hard to detect problems early due to diminished, or even the total loss of sensation. Persons with neuropathy can lose all feeling in an area and suffer severe damage to tissue and never even feel it. (One physician stated “neuropathy can leave feet and lower legs so numb patients could walk around with a nail under their foot for a day and not realize it."

Early detection and treatment is crucial to saving limbs but unfortunately, by the time most patients seek treatment there is already gangrenous tissue surrounding ulcerations and the limb cannot be saved.