by Jessica Lofgren

Created on: March 11, 2009

A walk on the beach at sunset. Driving a car. Walking down the aisles of a grocery store. It is easy to take these simple feats for granted, however, as a Diabetic the ability to walk can be swiftly taken away if careful diligence is not undertaken.

According to a 2008 study in Diabetes Care, people living with Diabetes are eight times more likely than those without Diabetes to require a lower leg amputation. This is because of the many complications that can arise from Diabetes. The first of these complications is termed peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy results from damage to the nerves in the hands and feet of diabetics. The feet are most often affected first, and usually patients will experience either burning or pins and needles sensations in the bottom of their feet and in their toes. As the disease processes progress, the sensation can spread further into the feet and up the legs and often results in numbness. When the feet become numb as a result of peripheral neuropathy, Diabetics are less likely to notice injuries to the feet because they can no longer feel it.

Once an injury or break in the skin occurs, normally the body works to heal the injured tissue by bringing oxygenated blood and nutrients to the cells allowing them to repair themselves. In Diabetics, however, the blood vessels become hardened and narrowed making it more difficult for blood to flow to the injured tissues. This causes wounds to take a much longer time to heal.

In addition to abnormal healing, Diabetics are more susceptible to wound infections. Bacteria, like any other living organism need nutrients in order to survive. In Diabetics it is easier for the bacteria to grow because they have an environment that is rich in sugar which provides the nutrients needed for the microorganisms to proliferate.

All of these processes; poor wound healing, wound infections, and poor blood supply to the limbs because of damaged blood vessels, can lead down the path of limb amputation. This does not, however, have to be a path that is taken. There are many steps that can be taken to prevent limb amputation from occurring. The first and foremost way to prevent limb loss is to control your blood sugars. People with diabetes should check their blood sugars several times a day. A morning fasting blood sugar should range between 80-120. Blood sugars should also be checked 1-2 hours after meal and should be less than 180. If your sugars are running higher than this, you may first try to get better

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