How can diabetes cause people to lose their foot?

Three main reasons: Diabetes accelerates the process of atherosclerosis which may lead to decreased blood flow into the legs. Normal blood flow is needed to bring oxygen as well as white cells to fight any infection. The ability of white cells to fight infection is often impaired in diabetes, particularly if poorly controlled. Finally, nerve damage can lead to skin breakdown that a diabetic is not aware of.

Complications: It is not the diabetes itself that causes this patient population to lose their feet, but rather the complications of diabetes and concomitant conditions. These include neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, kidney dysfunction and delays in wound healing.