Understanding Diabetic Amputations and How They Can Be Prevented

Amputation is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of part of the body, such as arm or leg (foot, or toes from the body).

The current blog will discuss what amputation is, why it is done, and how it affects survival.

Why Is An Amputation Done?

Amputation may be needed because of several factors:

• A severe infection in your limb (caused peripheral arterial disease or diabetic neuropathy)
• Your limb has been affected by gangrene (caused by peripheral arterial disease)

In peripheral arterial disease, the arteries become narrow, which causes a reduced supply of oxygen, blood, and nutrients to your arms or legs. Thus, increasing the risk of getting ulcers and infection, and when the blood does not reach the site of infection, healing of the wound does not happen as it should, and they heal more slowly. When a wound does not heal for an extended period, it may lead to gangrene (death of the tissue) formation.

In the case of diabetic neuropathy, it causes harm to the nerves that cause pain. Once the nerves are damaged, you lose sensation to pain, cold, heat, sharp objects, or other touch sensations. In diabetic neuropathy, you are at a very high risk of getting severe infection or gangrene.

In severe cases, the only way to stop gangrene caused by peripheral arterial disease and diabetic neuropathy is to amputate the affected area.

Amputation And Survival

Foot ulcers and gangrene cause several complications and increase mortality in people with diabetes and PAD. Amputation may be needed to stop the spread of the infection and save your life.

Studies have shown a 5-year survival rate of around 40% in people getting amputation because of foot problems. The average survival rate was around three years, especially in people with diabetes who needed below-knee amputation.

However, the effect is not safe for everyone. Factors such as sex, age, and kidneys’ functioning may influence the survival rate.