Amputation is one of the most feared complications of people with diabetes, with good reason. It is painful, it is life-altering and it is permanent. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can avoid amputations.
The main cause of lower-leg amputation in diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, a complication that causes nerve damage in the arms and legs. When nerve damage happens, people don’t have proper blood flow to their lower limbs. They can then often develop a wound (ulcer), usually on their foot or leg, as a result of reduced feeling to that area. It’s difficult for the wound to heal because of the decreased blood flow, so it can easily become infected. That’s why amputation of the lower leg (usually below the knee) is often the end result. (For more information about neuropathy, click here.)
Amputation statistics
At this time, there are almost 6 million Canadians living with type 1 or type 2 (diagnosed and undiagnosed) diabetes. Up to 25% of them will develop a foot or leg ulcer during their lifetime.
The statistics regarding amputation are harrowing. In Canada, diabetes is the leading cause of “non-traumatic” amputation (that is, an amputation that is not the result of trauma or an accident) and account for approximately 70% of amputations performed in hospital. Canadian adults with diabetes are over 20 times more likely to undergo non-traumatic lower limb amputations, compared to the general population. Foot ulcers occur initially in approximately 85% of cases, but with proactive management and prompt wound care, the number of amputations could be reduced.
Fully 30% of Canadians with diabetes will die within one year of amputation, and 69% of limb amputees with diabetes will not live for more than five years after the procedure. This is higher than the five-year rates of death for breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer.
When people have one leg amputated, it is common for them to lose the second one as well. In fact, more than half (55%) of people require amputation of the second leg within just two or three years of the first one.
The good news about avoiding amputation
So, is there any good news to be had about this topic? On the upside, Canadians with diabetes who see their family doctor or healthcare team at least three times per year are 33% less likely to have a limb amputation. Furthermore, the American Diabetes Association estimates that between 45% and 85% of amputations among people with diabetes could be prevented through a comprehensive foot care program.
The best thing you can do to prevent amputation is to be vigilant about your overall health and your diabetes management. This includes five main initiatives:
- Practice proper foot care
- Eat healthy foods
- Exercise regularly
- Take your diabetes medications as prescribed by your healthcare team
- Visit your healthcare team regularly for a diabetes check-up
Regular foot care
Regular foot care is one of the most important things you can do to protect your feet and legs. Be sure to check your feet every single day. Foot care problems can creep up on you before you know it, so constant attention is the best course of action for people with diabetes. If you notice anything that looks unusual, contact your healthcare team immediately. If you are unable to check your feet yourself, have a trusted family member help you with it, or do it for you.
Follow a healthy diet
Eating well helps keep your body healthy, and that means you can avoid or delay the complications of diabetes, including amputation of the lower leg. For information about healthy eating, visit the Diabetes Diet section of Diabetes Care Community. There, you’ll find meal planning suggestions, grocery shopping tips, and much, much more!
Keep active
Physical activity is also important to keep your body healthy. For information about exercise, visit the Physical Activity section of Diabetes Care Community. There, you’ll find physical activity suggestions, exercise and workout tips, and much, much more!
Remember your medications
Taking your medications as prescribed by your healthcare team is very important. They help to keep your blood glucose levels in their target range. For more information about medications, visit the Medication section of Diabetes Care Community. There, you’ll find information about all the oral and injectable medications used to treat diabetes.
The importance of staying in touch with your healthcare team
Visit your healthcare team for a diabetes check-up. It is recommended that you see your doctor once a year for a “diabetes-focused” visit, and more often if you have any diabetes complications. At this appointment, your healthcare team will inspect your feet and legs for any problem areas. Routine assessments by healthcare professionals can help detect potential issues early on before they escalate, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of complications.
Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is fundamental in preventing complications associated with diabetes, including those leading to amputation. While the risk of amputation is a serious concern for individuals living with diabetes, proactive management and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce this threat. Practice proper foot care so that you can keep your feet and legs healthy, and prevent amputation. Make sure that your feet last a lifetime!
