Question 1

can you tell me why people with poorly controlled diabetes at risk for amputation?

Accepted Answer

Overall health: Diabetes is a very complicated disease. It is a multi organ condition that could affect some. Amputation is caused by poor circulation, bad infection/bone infections, severe deformity known as charcot joint deformities. The other system that could get affected is the nerves of your feet (protective sensation). All or some of these can cause a higher amputation rate all caused by poor control

Question 2

are there any cases where internal medicine doctors have not been able to control their own diabetes properly and ran into complications like amputations of toes,etc between ages 30-40?, in spite of having medical knowledge. your friends/colleagues?

Accepted Answer

Yes: These type of complications specifically in type 1 diabetes can happen in anybody, psychology and how aggressive the disease is and doctors are not spared. Uncommon, but happening.

Question 3

i believe i've had bad circulation in legs and feet since i was a child, would developing diabetes on top of that make amputation likely?

Accepted Answer

Definite risk factor: Diabetes is a definite risk factor for peripheral vascular disease, so there's no question that your lifetime risk for amputation will go up, with diabetes. As for whether it's "likely" or not, I'm not sure. Definitely depends on your overall health and your diabetes care.

Question 4

i had my great toe amputated due to osteomyleitis on 9-9-20. my second toe has become a hammer toe. my diabetes is well controlled with an a1c of 5.6 for the past 6 months. i wear a toe splint every day which helps greatly. is there a simple fix?

Accepted Answer

: No. But there is (probably) a fix. You probably need orthotic shoes, maybe further surgery on the 2nd toe. Check with a Podiatrist

Question 5

i'm healthy but don't exercise much, i'm 21. i don't have diabetes/major problems. could you need an amputation for not exercising? i exercise now.

Accepted Answer

Just do it: Your young start exercising routinely and hopefully stay healthy.

Question 6

what is the probability that a person will have their leg amputated if they have diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Uncommon: As improvement in diabetes management has occurred, the incidence of amputations has decreased. With good diabetes control, control of hypertension and cholesterol, the chance of needling amputation is very low.  Smoking is a major risk factor with diabetes, and is the most important thing to avoid.

Question 7

relation between diabetes and foot amputation?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Diabetes destroys the peripheral circulation.  Faster when out of control, slower with good control.  The feet as the most distant part of the circulation are the most vulnerable.  Good news, the Insulin pumps just keep getting better.  If you don't have one yet, you may in the near future.

Question 8

is there risk of needing hand amputation from diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Long standing neglected poorly controlled diabetics lower extremity is more often involved than upper extremity. More often legs are amputated rarely hands.

Question 9

why would i need an amputation if i have diabetes and i have a foot ulcer?

Accepted Answer

Inadequate bloodflow: The main problem with diabetes & feet is that diabetes causes decreased blood flow in the distant parts of the body (e.g. Feet) leading to nerve starvation so that sensation decreases. Then a cut can go unnoticed and get infected spreading to the bone. Antibiotics can only help if it can be carried by the blood to the site. If not, the infection spreads. Amputation is the only option left then.

Question 10

i have diabetes and had a foot amputation. what can i do to take better care of myself?

Accepted Answer

Preventative care: Keep your diabetes in check (make sure your hga1c is <7) and protect your feet. Prevent pressure sores and keep an eye on your wounds. You can wear protective orthotic shoes and see a podiatrist on a regular basis.

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Doctor answers about:

Explain why people with poorly controlled diabetes are at risk for amputation

A member asked:

Can you tell me why people with poorly controlled diabetes at risk for amputation?

A member asked:

Are there any cases where internal medicine doctors have not been able to control their own diabetes properly and ran into complications like amputations of toes,etc between ages 30-40?, in spite of having medical knowledge. your friends/colleagues?

A member asked:

I believe i've had bad circulation in legs and feet since i was a child, would developing diabetes on top of that make amputation likely?

A member asked:

I had my great toe amputated due to osteomyleitis on 9-9-20. my second toe has become a hammer toe. my diabetes is well controlled with an a1c of 5.6 for the past 6 months. i wear a toe splint every day which helps greatly. is there a simple fix?

A member asked:

I'm healthy but don't exercise much, i'm 21. i don't have diabetes/major problems. could you need an amputation for not exercising? i exercise now.

A member asked:

What is the probability that a person will have their leg amputated if they have diabetes?

A member asked:

Relation between diabetes and foot amputation?

A member asked:

Is there risk of needing hand amputation from diabetes?

A member asked:

Why would i need an amputation if i have diabetes and i have a foot ulcer?

A member asked:

I have diabetes and had a foot amputation. what can i do to take better care of myself?

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