Feet

[AnnW]

So often lately either on tv, or at the hospital , or in a play on the radio even there is talk about foot amputations. Why is this? At one point is it the only answer? Does it threaten us all?
My feet are not good really especially as I now have arthritis in one to add to the fun. So..... Is it on the horizon? Is it one more terrifying problem we have to face?

 

[Copepod]

Amputation is the end of a very long road, usually beginning with an untreated injury, unfelt due to neuropathy, leading to slow or non healing ulcer etc. Infection is more likely to develop if blood sugar levels are higher than targets.

However, many people never develop neuropathy, even after decades of diabetes, provided it's well controlled.

Amputation is not inevitable 🙂

 

[Robster65]

It used to more prevalent than it is these days and some people, especially in media circles, seem unable to move on from the bad old days. The myths and legends make for more exciting stories than a boring old happy ending. 🙄

Best thing is to aim for 'normal' BG range as Copepod says and leave the bad stuff to those who are unable to.

And I think neuropathy is something that can come and go, so even if you have a bit of it, it can disappear with good control. I think.🙂

Rob

 

[Ellie Jones]

To give some reasurance over this..

I worked in the care field for about 15 years both in residental and the community with the elderly sector making up large part of my work...

Yes I did deal with amputee's of lower limbs and a couple patients who were double amputee's.. Strangley out of all that I dealt with over the years only one who was T1 had any amputations, they had lost their toes on both feet due to very bad control (believe me their BG's were frightening at the best of times)

The statistics that are bounded around in the media, seem very frightening until you start looking at some background data.. Firstly if you look at it as a percentage you will find it's a very small percentage that end up going down the amputation route...

Then you got to consider the fact that those who unfortunatly lose their toes/legs etc would have been diagnosed quite a few years ago, when treatment and understanding wasn't at the same level as it is today.. So the story for somebody being diagnosed today with either T1 or T2 diabetes, with our newer improved regimes and understanding our futures actlly look a lot brighter than it did even being diagnosed 10 years ago...

The media enjoy scare mongering it gives them something to prattle about

 

[AnnW]

Tank you guys for yet more reassuring advice and information 🙂

 

[Catwoman76]

So often lately either on tv, or at the hospital , or in a play on the radio even there is talk about foot amputations. Why is this? At one point is it the only answer? Does it threaten us all?
My feet are not good really especially as I now have arthritis in one to add to the fun. So..... Is it on the horizon? Is it one more terrifying problem we have to face?

It is another complication of Diabetes I'm afraid. My lovely dear uncle Lin ( Lauchlin) died in the 1970's he had type 1 and I know he had his food amputated and died in a London hospital, but I wasn't allowed to go to the funeral So sad , he was such a characater, my favourite uncle. Sheena
Sorry, I needed to add that these things do happen, but not like it did in my uncle's day. I don't know how good his control was and if there were problems then the doctor/hospital would be able to catch this at the earliest stage. if possible. I didn't mean to frighten anyone. At the library Tia said I looked tired and my eyes looked 'weird' I was having a hypo! but took a couple of glucose tablets, so my brain wasn't functioning properly at the time 😉

 

[Catwoman76]

It is another complication of Diabetes I'm afraid. My lovely dear uncle Lin ( Lauchlin) died in the 1970's he had type 1 and I know he had his food amputated and died in a London hospital, but I wasn't allowed to go to the funeral So sad , he was such a characater, my favourite uncle. Sheena
Sorry, I needed to add that these things do happen, but not like it did in my uncle's day. I don't know how good his control was and if there were problems then the doctor/hospital would be able to catch this at the earliest stage. if possible. I didn't mean to frighten anyone. At the library Tia said I looked tired and my eyes looked 'weird' I was having a hypo! but took a couple of glucose tablets, so my brain wasn't functioning properly at the time 😉

Sorry again ,Sheena

 

[Newtothis]

its a well-known fact there are complications with diabetes but that's why it's important for good control and ensure you don't miss DN appointments, regularly check you're feet and if you have any concerns or worries speak to your DN.

Its important not to worry about everything - life is to short and there are so many good things in life. Amanda x 🙂

Big hug {{}}

 

[Carina1962]

My grandfather on my father's side died of gangrene as he chose not to have amputation but i do remember vaguely as i was quite young at the time that i was told he was in denial with his diabetes and just carried on with his life as if he was a non-diabetic (he was a very stubborn man) and also we have come a very long way since those days in the 1970's. I too fear complications in diabetes like everyone else but at least we are lucky nowadays that we have so much better ways of controlling and the care is better 🙂

 

[Catwoman76]

My grandfather on my father's side died of gangrene as he chose not to have amputation but i do remember vaguely as i was quite young at the time that i was told he was in denial with his diabetes and just carried on with his life as if he was a non-diabetic (he was a very stubborn man) and also we have come a very long way since those days in the 1970's. I too fear complications in diabetes like everyone else but at least we are lucky nowadays that we have so much better ways of controlling and the care is better 🙂

Carina, I'm not sure whether my uncles control/routine was good, as soon as my uncle arrived for a visit my mum would go to Boots and buy diabetic food which included jam, marmalade, biscuits etc.
Yes we have come so far in diabetes care and also prevenitive medicine/care. Things are so much better nowadays. Sheena