Diabetes means that the risks for many
problems are increased. Amputation of a foot or part of a leg can happen and these you want to avoid. Maintaining management of your
blood glucose levels is important, but even more important is the
daily inspection of your feet and legs to detect areas like foot
ulcers, areas of infection, or areas not healing normally. This is
why I see a podiatrist on a quarterly basis.
Diabetes is linked to a condition
called peripheral artery disease (PAD). It can narrow the arteries
that carry blood to your legs and feet and make you more likely to
get ulcers (open sores) and infections. It also can make those
things heal more slowly.
High blood sugar levels caused by
diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels in your body. That
includes the ones in your feet and legs. If your nerves are damaged,
you might not feel pain or other symptoms of ulcers or infections.
That raises your risk of serious infection or gangrene, which refers
to the death of your tissue. In some severe cases, the only way
doctors can treat the infection or gangrene is to amputate, or
remove, the area that's affected.
If you have diabetes, it's especially
important to take good care of your feet to lower your risk of
amputation. Check your feet every day. Look for changes like –
blisters, cuts, cracks, sores, redness, white spots or areas, thick
calluses, and different colors.
If they're colder or warmer than usual,
that can also be a sign something's wrong. Run a feather or light
object along your foot to make sure you can feel it.
Neuropathy can also cause a lack of
feeling in your feet and will mean a daily check of your feet for
sores like ulcers. If you can't check your own feet, ask a family
member to help you. If you notice a problem or aren't sure if
something's normal, call your doctor.
Don't smoke: Smoking damages your small
blood vessels and affects blood flow to your feet. It also makes it
harder for your body to heal. Those things raise your risk of
amputation.
Wear protective shoes: An injury to
your toes or foot can lead to serious problems. Medicare and some
other health insurance providers will cover prescription shoes that
lower your risk of foot problems.
See your doctor at least once a year:
If you have nerve damage, you may need to see a foot doctor
(podiatrist) or your diabetes doctor (endocrinologist) as often as
every month or two. He can help keep your blood sugar under control
with medication, diet, and exercise. He'll also look at your feet
and legs to make sure there's nothing wrong. The earlier you catch
ulcers and other problems, the better.
Your doctor will try to treat
infections or wounds with medicine first. He/she won't recommend
amputation unless tissue in your foot or leg is dying or has died.
If you do need the operation, your
surgeon will remove the damaged tissue on your foot or leg and try to
save as much healthy tissue as possible.
You'll be in the hospital for up to 2
weeks after surgery. It's important for your medical team to keep
your blood sugar under control and watch for signs of infection.
It may take 2 months for your wound to
heal. You'll work with several people who will help you adjust to
life afterward. For example, your endocrinologist can help you
manage your blood sugar. A physical therapist can help you get
stronger and learn to move around. An occupational therapist will
help you figure out how to do everyday tasks at home and at work.
You also might see a mental health
therapist, such as a psychologist or social worker, to talk through
your feelings about your amputation.
It's important to stick to the diabetes
treatment plan your doctor recommends, watch your blood sugar
carefully, and eat healthfully.
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