Diabetics need to be cautious about monitoring blood sugar levels, which is also known to cause damage to the blood vessels , giving rise to amputations, according to a recent study.
Diabetics need to be cautious about monitoring blood sugar levels, which is also known to cause damage to the blood vessels that course through the lower limbs, giving rise to amputations, according to a recent study. The risk for diabetics to suffer lower limb amputations is pronounced, 15 times more than non diabetics, the study has reported.
Wolverhampton-based researchers have reported that foot care amongst diabetics is rather inadequate, that leads to lower limb loss. Diabetes UK has enabled valuable statistics that show, up to 70% of people do not live more than five years of suffering an amputation.Diabetics, who have had a history of ulcers, nerve damage, circulation problems and foot deformities, are at increased risk of amputation. But nearly 25% of diabetics who are considered to be in the risk category are not being offered any kind of special treatment, according to the researchers. They are not being adequately educated about preventing and treating infections that might necessitate an amputation.
Dr Baldev Singh, who carried out the research, said, This research clearly shows that care for high-risk patients is inadequate. Mandatory foot care plans should be put in place to ensure that all people get the right care and education.
Douglas Smallwood, chief executive at Diabetes UK said: It is shocking that some people with diabetes are getting sub-standard specialist foot care or even none at all, if they are at high risk of amputation. We know that the rate of amputation may be reduced by 40% or more through effective care. All people with diabetes should receive at least a yearly foot check. Those who have problems need to be provided with a foot care plan which incorporates specialist care and education on what to look out for and how to avoid infections.
