### How to Prevent Amputations in Diabetes Unmanaged diabetes can lead to amputations, usually of the toes, feet, or legs. Causes include reduced blood flow or peripheral neuropathy. Managing your blood sugar is one way to help prevent it. Amputation is a major complication of diabetes. If you have diabetes, your doctor has likely recommended that you check your feet each day, but you may not have known why. Read on to learn how diabetes can lead to amputation and how to help prevent it. In some cases, diabetes can lead to peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD causes your blood vessels to narrow and reduces blood flow to your legs and feet. It may also cause nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy. This could prevent you from feeling pain. If you can’t feel pain, you may not realize you have a wound or ulcer on your feet. You may continue putting pressure on the affected area, which can cause it to grow and become infected. Reduced blood flow can slow wound healing. It can also make your body less effective at fighting infection. As a result, your wound may not heal. Tissue damage or death (gangrene) may occur, and any existing infection may spread to your bone. If the infection cannot be stopped or the damage cannot be reversed, amputation may be necessary. The most common amputations in people with diabetes are of the lower extremities (legs, feet, and toes). According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about 130,000 people in the United States who have diabetes have amputations each year. That may sound like a lot, but amputations account for only a small percentage of the over 37.3 million people in the United States with diabetes. Better diabetes management and foot care have caused lower limb amputations over the past 20 years, but 2018 research suggests that young and middle-aged adults in the United States are experiencing an uptick in diabetes-related amputations. With ongoing diabetes management, foot care, and wound care, many people with diabetes can limit their risk of amputation or prevent it entirely. The best way to prevent amputation and other severe diabetes complications is to manage your blood sugar. There are several ways you can do this, including: - Taking your diabetes medications as prescribed - Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly - Following a healthy diet - Exercising regularly Good foot care may help you prevent wounds or ulcers from becoming problematic. Some foot care tips are: - Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling - Keep your feet clean and dry - Trim your toenails carefully - Wear comfortable shoes that fit well Report any foot problems and neuropathy symptoms, such as numbness, burning, and tingling, to your doctor right away. Common foot problems that are nuisances to most people may become major problems if you have diabetes. If you don’t know they’re there, simple injuries may quickly become infected or cause ulcers. If you experience any of these foot conditions, contact your doctor for an evaluation: - Cuts or sores that don’t heal - Redness or swelling - Pain or discomfort In many cases, diabetes doesn’t cause unusual symptoms. If you don’t have symptoms, you may think the disease is managed and not take it seriously. If you have diabetes and your blood sugar isn’t well managed, take steps immediately to manage it, even if you don’t have symptoms. Take your diabetes medications and talk with your doctor about the best diet and exercise plan for your situation. If you’re not regularly checking your feet, start now. It only takes a few minutes each day. Make checking your feet part of your morning or evening routine. To keep your feet as healthy as possible: - Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap - Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes - Moisturize your feet to prevent dry skin Amputation doesn’t have to be part of your diabetes journey. If you do all you can to manage your blood sugar and care for your feet, you’ll reduce your risk of major complications.