By Tom YC

 

 I am focusing on the feet and legs specifically as there are diabetes sufferers out there who are not fully aware of the danger of diabetes, especially to their legs and feet. Why the legs and feet? To lose even a single toe, not to mention a leg, will be a big blow to a human being. He or she will have to re-learn how to be mobile again with the use of an aid, be it a crutch or a prosthetic leg. For diabetes sufferers, avoid this at all cost.

Once forewarned of this danger, those suffering from diabetes can take the correct action to prevent the loss of their legs to amputation due to diabetes. It is a fact; once a person is struck by diabetes, there is the possibility of losing the legs to diabetes.

 

In the past, when complications occur to the legs of a diabetes sufferer, the easy way out by some doctors were to have the diabetic legs amputated. Even in today's modern world, the option chosen by some doctors is to have the legs amputated if they find that nothing much can be done for the person suffering from diabetes.

 

I should know because I saw it happened to my own aunt. Her leg was amputated as a result of diabetes, and it was not too long before she passed away as she failed to take care of herself. I want to emphasize, through this article, the importance of looking after a diabetic person's legs. Also, being more aware of what could happen to a diabetic sufferer's leg is to help to educate the diabetic person to avoid an amputation.

There has been a lot of things said about foot ulcer, but how does one knows what a foot ulcer is? According to Dr. Vijay Viswanathan, foot ulcers are sores on the feet that often occur in people with diabetes. (Viswanathan, Vijay (2009). Feet first. Beta, 1 (3), Retrieved July 10 2009).

 

This is due to the poor supply of blood flow to the legs. Because of poor blood circulation, a diabetes legs would be less sensitive than a healthy person's legs. That is why whenever there is a problem with the leg; a person with diabetes does not usually realize it. So this posed a serious health problem to them.

According to a report, diabetes sufferer would frequently developed premature and severe arteriosclerosis. To make a long story short and to avoid the medical jargons, it was stated that a consequence of this is that a diabetic person would most likely have small and thinner arteries.

 

The damaged arteries are not as efficient as those that are healthy and would not be able to ensure the smooth flow of blood. A possible result of this is that there is a risk of gangrene developing. (Falkel, Jeffrey E. (1983 ). Amputation as a consequence of diabetes mellitus. Physical Therapy, Retrieved July 10 2009)

A number of diabetes sufferers will, in a few years time lose all sensation in their legs. Losing the feelings in the legs is a danger to diabetics. They are at risks as they would not be able to feel pain in their feet. Should they injure themselves further in the feet, they may not even realize it (Zulfiqarali, Abbas. Diabetes foot damage in developing countries: the urgent need for education. 2005 November, Diabetes Voice, 50, Retrieved July 10 2009).

 

A person suffering from diabetes can damage his feet further if inappropriate or ill-fitting footwear is used. Even the simple act of cutting toenails may cause damage to a diabetic foot if it is not cut properly. Sometimes people are not aware that such simple acts may lead to disastrous results due to lack of education on diabetes. However, it must be noted that foot infection can be prevented.

A person having diabetes should not take it lightly if gangrene is found in the legs. Immediate medical attention is needed. Do not self-medicate. Having reach this stage, the diabetic person life is already in danger. He or she has to be admitted to a hospital. Even if it is too late to save the leg, at least the person's life can be saved.

Normal foot problems such as corn, bunions, calluses and blisters are common foot problems for most people. It is different for a diabetes sufferer. They have to be more careful with these common foot ailments. The major risk to diabetics is that if left untreated, it may develop into something more serious. If you have these, go and seek medical attention. Do not self-medicate or you may make the problem worse.