How to avoid any amputation?

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NikyAndro

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Type 2
Why is amputation so common? Other than having good control of the blood sugars what can we do to minimise the chance of amputation? Once amputation starts are further ones inevitable? Thanks.
 
Hi. Having good blood sugar control is all you need to do to avoid amputations thru having diabetes; it's usually that simple.
 
NikyAndro said:
Why is amputation so common?
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Is it? (That's a genuine question. I know there's been a reduction in amputations due to diabetes over the last couple of years, but I've no feeling for how common it is.)
NikyAndro said:
Other than having good control of the blood sugars what can we do to minimise the chance of amputation?
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I think that's basically it: keep good control, including controlling for the usual CVD factors (blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, etc.). So reduce the chance (and severity) of peripheral neuropathy and loss of circulation quality.
NikyAndro said:
Once amputation starts are further ones inevitable?
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I doubt it, but I presume it make it much more likely, just because whatever led to the first amputation is probably going to be a factor afterwards.
 
Hi
Amputation becomes necessary when the blood flow to the extremities feet, toes etc become compromised and infection sets in which won't heal.
High blood glucose causes the fine blood vessels to become clogged over time and this means that the nerves get starved of nutrients to keep them healthy as well as blood flow to heal any injury that happens, so it often starts with numbness which means that you might not notice if the skin gets damaged and then infection sets in and doesn't heal because it isn't getting a healthy blood supply and may not respond to antibiotics because the blood can't carry the antibiotics to the site and remove necrotic tissue. It is a similar situation with the fine blood vessels in our eyes and kidneys.... if these get clogged up those organs are at risk of damage too.
The tickle test on our feet and a check of the pulse in our ankle (sometimes a doppler test) is a used to identify if we are becoming at risk of foot problems, so that preventative measures can be taken before things become too bad, so it is always important to have these tests done annually, along with retinal screening for our eyes and kidney function monitoring.

Keeping BG levels in the normal range as much as possible will significantly reduce the risk of those blood vessels clogging up and keeping active, particularly walking or cycling or swimming will help to stimulate the blood flow to the feet and keep the nerves and other tissue healthier and less at risk of injury or infection.

Amputation is mostly associated with poor diabetes management or long term undiagnosed diabetes, because again, BG levels have likely been elevated for long periods of time and inactivity makes it worse.
 
Thanks, that makes sense. I think it's the Vascular health that's so unknown. I will look at what I can do about improv g mine. Thanks for making me think in that direction.
 
DaveB said:
Hi. Having good blood sugar control is all you need to do to avoid amputations thru having diabetes; it's usually that simple.
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Thats what I'm hoping but I fear it's not enough for me. And am wondering about others. I have had all my toes amputated on my right foot and want any more of me cot off.
 
rebrascora said:
Hi
Amputation becomes necessary when the blood flow to the extremities feet, toes etc become compromised and infection sets in which won't heal.
High blood glucose causes the fine blood vessels to become clogged over time and this means that the nerves get starved of nutrients to keep them healthy as well as blood flow to heal any injury that happens, so it often starts with numbness which means that you might not notice if the skin gets damaged and then infection sets in and doesn't heal because it isn't getting a healthy blood supply and may not respond to antibiotics because the blood can't carry the antibiotics to the site and remove necrotic tissue. It is a similar situation with the fine blood vessels in our eyes and kidneys.... if these get clogged up those organs are at risk of damage too.
The tickle test on our feet and a check of the pulse in our ankle (sometimes a doppler test) is a used to identify if we are becoming at risk of foot problems, so that preventative measures can be taken before things become too bad, so it is always important to have these tests done annually, along with retinal screening for our eyes and kidney function monitoring.

Keeping BG levels in the normal range as much as possible will significantly reduce the risk of those blood vessels clogging up and keeping active, particularly walking or cycling or swimming will help to stimulate the blood flow to the feet and keep the nerves and other tissue healthier and less at risk of injury or infection.

Amputation is mostly associated with poor diabetes management or long term undiagnosed diabetes, because again, BG levels have likely been elevated for long periods of time and inactivity makes it worse.
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Thank you so much for your reply. It's really helpful. Inspirational to stay healthy. Thank You.
 
@NikyAndro , I would add to those replies you have had that if you smoke, you should seriously try to give up. Smoking is also seriously bad for the health of our blood vessels.
 
NikyAndro said:
Thats what I'm hoping but I fear it's not enough for me. And am wondering about others. I have had all my toes amputated on my right foot and want any more of me cot off.
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Oh goodness! I am so sorry to hear that you have already suffered amputations. That must be horrendous!
I thought it was maybe one of those questions from someone newly diagnosed who had read horror stories about diabetes complications and was therefore anxious about the possibilities of it, rather than living with the reality. I hope my response above did not make you feel like you are to blame or sound too matter of fact.

I do believe that increased gentle activity can encourage new blood vessels to grow to bypass the blocked ones in some circumstances so I would definitely look at that aspect of stimulating the blood flow through gentle exercise, even if it is one of those little pedaling machines that you can use whilst you are sitting watching TV. I believe that it may cause increased pain doing activity but will be beneficial in the long run to preserving what you have left. I may however be talking through my hat as I don't have any medical training. I am just throwing out stuff that I have read somewhere on this forum so do be guided by your medical professionals.
 
Thankfully I don't smoke but did see people going off the Vascular ward to smoke, some of them took their drips with them.
 
rebrascora said:
Oh goodness! I am so sorry to hear that you have already suffered amputations. That must be horrendous!
I thought it was maybe one of those questions from someone newly diagnosed who had read horror stories about diabetes complications and was therefore anxious about the possibilities of it, rather than living with the reality. I hope my response above did not make you feel like you are to blame or sound too matter of fact.

I do believe that increased gentle activity can encourage new blood vessels to grow to bypass the blocked ones in some circumstances so I would definitely look at that aspect of stimulating the blood flow through gentle exercise, even if it is one of those little pedaling machines that you can use whilst you are sitting watching TV. I believe that it may cause increased pain doing activity but will be beneficial in the long run to preserving what you have left. I may however be talking through my hat as I don't have any medical training. I am just throwing out stuff that I have read somewhere on this forum so do be guided by your medical professionals.
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Peddling as we speak lol your reply is perfect for me and super informational. 🙂
 
in 2019 there were 179 amputations a week down to diabetes. most could have been avoided with good and quick access to specialist foot care services.

Check out the full web site for whatt to look out for. its not just bad circulation that leads to amputaions the condition damages the nerve endings in the extremities so always wear sensible shoes avoiding open toed /flip flops.
 
Thanks. My flip flop days are over sadly as I have had all the toes on my right foot removed. A combination of all the things mentioned but 10 years in denial being the main factor. I will look on the website.
 
NikyAndro said:
Thanks. My flip flop days are over sadly as I have had all the toes on my right foot removed. A combination of all the things mentioned but 10 years in denial being the main factor. I will look on the website.
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Personally I have never been a fan of flip flops because my feet are happiest in socks and flip flops and socks don't really work either. 🙄
How is your pedaling going tonight? Hope there is something good on the box to keep you entertained whilst you exercise?
 
NikyAndro said:
Thanks, that makes sense. I think it's the Vascular health that's so unknown. I will look at what I can do about improv g mine. Thanks for making me think in that direction.
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Make sure you do not smoke and make sure you have plenty of exercise thus keeping your circulation in good working order.
 
There are some suggestions here on how to look after your feet @NikyAndro

How to look after your feet

Your feet are important, especially if you have diabetes. With diabetes, it means you’re much more likely to develop problems with your feet – problems that could end up as amputations. But most amputations can be prevented. If you take good care of your feet and check them regularly, you can...
www.diabetes.org.uk www.diabetes.org.uk

Sorry to hear about your toes :( But it sounds like you are working hard to try to keep yourself well and to keep your diabetes well managed. Keep going!
 
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