Why do so many people with Type 2 Diabetes require amputation at some point in their life? Type 2 Diabetes can potentially cause many complications. Known to one of the most devastating is diabetic neuropathy. This is actually the diabetes doing damage to the nerves in the periphery nervous system. It happens most often in the legs and feet. The problem frequently begins with a tingling sensation in the area. Eventually in patients with Type II Diabetes the tingling turns to pain or numbness. One other medical issue that Type II Diabetes causes in the feet is reduced blood circulation. At the extremities of the feet, the size or calibre of the blood vessels then constrict due to Type two Diabetes. When these to risks combine, it can result in severe medical and health problems in the feet or lower legs. Hence, that is when amputation may become an option.

How do you avoid getting to the point of an amputation with type 2 Diabetes ? Good footcare is very important. This now means monitoring the feet for any signs of infection. It means keeping them clean at all times. It means wearing good shoes and the proper support socks. It means approaching any small injuries as a major one. If unfortunately a minor injury happens in an area with nerve damage and poor circulation, infection then can indeed become a certain possibility. Hence, severe infection can then lead to gangrene. That, of course, could lead to amputation. Seeing your healthcare team about any injury to the foot is important for only this reason alone.

There are other ways to help prevent the need for amputation if you have type 2 diabetes. Individuals with Diabetes 2 should quit smoking since it also reduces the size of blood vessels throughout the body. Keep a close eye on your glucose levels. Managing those levels will help keep Diabetes Type 2 damage to the nerves down to a minimum level. Get and stay physically active. This helps increase circulation to the legs and feet. It can also help with your flexibility. Visit your medical team regularly to monitor for any health problems. Get your weight under control. Excess weight on the legs and feet do not help individuals with Type II Diabetes.

If you already have nerve damage or circulation issues in your feet, don’t think that amputation is inevitable. Taking excellent care of your feet is extremely paramount. Visit your medical team if you find sores developing on your feet. Take care with wearing shoes at all times. Loss of sensation may then not let you know or alert you if you step on something that can result in a wound. With tType II Diabetes, taking adequate care of your feet is almost as critical as monitoring your blood sugar.