As a diabetic, there is little information to learn about that is more vital than diabetes amputation causes. Diabetes is a leading cause of amputation throughout the world. Over half of the amputations which occur in the United States are cause by diabetes; most of them are in the lower-extremities. Diabetes amputation causes can, for the most part, be attributed to diabetic neuropathy. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy is characterized by damage to the foot’s sensory nerves and possibly those of the legs, hands, and arms. You don’t have to have diabetes to have neuropathy, but it is much more common in diabetics.
According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), there are a number of reasons for neuropathies, which in turn are common diabetic amputation causes. These include:
Metabolic Factors – The leading cause of diabetic neuropathy is high blood sugar levels. People who have had diabetes for a long time are at the highest risk. Abnormal blood fat levels and/or low insulin levels are also important factors.
Neurovascular factors – Neuropathic damage is caused by damage to blood vessels which carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. High blood sugar levels often contribute to this as well.
Autoimmune factors – In some cases, the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. This is called autoimmunity. Autoimmunity could cause inflammation in the nerves, leading to diabetic neuropathy.
Mechanical injuries – Mechanical injuries to the nerves, such as carpal tunnel syndrome can sometimes lead to neuropathy.
Genetics – It seems as though, whether related to diabetes or not, neuropathy susceptibility can be attributed to inherited traits.
Lifestyle factors – Acts such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and sedentary lifestyles are contributing factors leading neuropathy, especially in diabetics.
More Diabetes Amputation Causes
Poor circulation is also one of the lead diabetes amputation causes in the United States. A blockage or narrowing of the arteries which supply your legs can be life threatening. When a person has bad circulation, the legs and feet do not get the oxygen and nutrients that they need. When this occurs, these parts of the body are not only more prone to infection, but heal more slowly as well.
Diabetics already have a weakened immune system, which makes things worse. Now, if that diabetic has neuropathy as well, then they cannot tell when they get cut or scraped, leading them open to further infections, such as gangrene. This is why diabetics must check their feet daily and treat cuts immediately.
According to the Mayo Clinic, nerve damage and poor blood circulation usually lead to skin sores which can worsen quickly and are difficult to treat. These are called ulcers. Ulcers of the feet are one of the leading diabetes amputation causes. Statistics show that eighty-five percent of amputations caused by ulcers can be prevented by early detection and appropriate treatment.
