Facts |
|
|
|
|
|
The number of lower extremity amputations on diabetic patients is
increasing (graph)
|
|
|
Diabetes causes 50% of all non-traumatic amputations in the US.
|
|
|
Amputation is more likely in men than in women and is more common in
African Americans.
|
|
|
Between 5 and 15% of diabetics require an amputation at some time in
their lives.
|
|
|
Almost 50% of amputations could have been prevented with proper
medical intervention.
|
|
|
Diabetes can make the skin on your feet drier and more likely to peel
or crack.
|
|
|
Diabetics are more likely to form calluses on their feet due to high-
pressure areas under the foot and, if untreated, these calluses may turn
into ulcers.
|
|
|
Diabetics are more subject to infections because elevated blood sugar
limits the effectiveness of cells that fight bacteria.
|
|
|
Ulcers most often occur on the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the
big toe. Ulcers on the side of the foot, due to poorly fitting shoes, are
also common.
|
|
|
Approximately 15% of diabetic patients have foot ulcers.
|
|
|
Diabetes frequently causes poor blood flow or circulation in the legs and
feet, which hinders the body’s ability to fight infection and heal.
|
|
|
Most diabetics have some foot-related problems after age 40 or after
ten years with the illness, and the likelihood of these problems increases
with age.
|
|
|
Peripheral neuropathy, or loss of sensation, is the major cause of diabetic
foot ulcers and amputation.
|
|
|
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy increases the likelihood of foot ulcers.
|
