Diabetes-Related Amputations on the Rise; Daily Foot Care Can Help Reverse Trend
November 2000
The number of lower limb amputations in people with diabetes has climbed from 67,000 to 86,000 in just 2 years, according to the latest national health data.
"The real tragedy is that almost half of the diabetes-related amputations that occur each year could be prevented," said Charles M. Clark, Jr., M.D., co-chair of the National Diabetes Education Program, a joint initiative of the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "It's important for people with diabetes to know that foot complications don't necessarily have to be a way of life--good control of blood sugar and more effective foot care can go a long way toward keeping feet healthy."
Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet and lower limbs. With nerve damage, people with diabetes may not feel a blister caused by poorly fitting shoes, or a sore that develops from dry skin, injuries, or burns. Limited blood flow, due to poor circulation, makes it difficult for sores and infections to heal, and can ultimately lead to amputation of a toe, foot, or leg.
To help prevent diabetes foot problems, the National Diabetes Education Program offers a free booklet, "Take Care of Your Feet for a Lifetime," that contains practical foot care tips for people with diabetes, plus a list of organizations to contact for additional diabetes information.
To reduce the likelihood of a minor foot problem causing major complications, the National Diabetes Education Program suggests that people with diabetes follow these tips for protecting their feet:
- Look for cuts, cracks, splinters, blisters, and calluses on the feet each day. Call your doctor if such wounds do not heal after one day.
- Wash your feet in warm--not hot--water and dry them well.
- When trimming your toenails, cut them straight across and slightly round the edges with an emery board.
- Rub lotion on the tops and bottoms of feet--but not between the toes--to prevent cracking and drying.
- Wear soft, dry socks and supportive, enclosed shoes (not sandals) that fit well and protect your feet.
- When sitting, keep the blood flowing to your lower limbs by propping your feet up and moving your toes and ankles for a few minutes at a time.
- Keep your blood sugar level under control by eating healthy foods, staying active, and taking your diabetes medicines.
To order your free copy of the "Take Care of Your Feet for a Lifetime" booklet, call the National Diabetes Education Program at 1-800-438-5383 or visit the NDEP website at ndep.nih.gov and click on "Health Care Provider Reference Tools" to download a copy of the booklet.
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CONTACT:
Joanne Gallivan
(301) 496-3583
Page last updated: April 17, 2008
