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Amputation and diabetes: How to protect your feet
Amputation is a frightening concept. If you have diabetes, here's what you need to know about amputation — and how to avoid it.
By Mayo Clinic staffAmputation is a frightening concept. And if you have diabetes, the risk of losing a toe or foot to amputation may be more real than you think. An estimated 5 percent of adults who have diabetes eventually require toe or foot amputation. Here's what you need to know about the link between amputation and diabetes — and how to keep your feet healthy.
Why does diabetes pose a risk of amputation?
Amputation and diabetes might seem like an odd pair. After all, what does amputation have to do with diabetes? Plenty!
High blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet. Eventually, you may lose feeling in your feet. You could have a cut, blister or other minor foot injury and not know it. If the injury heals on its own, there's no cause for concern. But diabetes can also damage your blood vessels, leading to poor circulation in your feet. If you smoke, the damage may be even worse. This lack of blood flow may hinder your body's ability to heal foot sores or other injuries. Left untreated, a minor foot injury could become a serious infection — even leading to tissue death (gangrene). Severe damage might require toe, foot or even leg amputation.
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