According to Dr. Marc Blatstein , a startling report came out recently that stated over 2,000 amputations took place in Canada due to diabetic complications. It is frustrating that this number is so high because a lot of these incidents can be avoided. “It’s depressing that the number continues to be high and it’s particularly discouraging because we know that much of that could be prevented,” said Hux, who is a general internist and an adjunct scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Toronto. Marc Blatstein concurs, that in order to keep your feet healthy it is best to monitor them at a consistent basis. A small wound might seem harmless to most, but with diabetic patients this wound can lead to an infection and in the worst case scenario, amputation. The disease “damages the small blood vessels that feed the nerves in the extremities, particularly the feet.” This damage leads to a loss of sensation. So if a person suffering from diabetes gets a cut on their foot they sometimes won’t always know it is there because they can’t feel it.
This is why it becomes so important for people to check their feet daily. Once the wound is present it can be slow to heal. Damage to blood vessels also can prevent white blood vessels from getting to the site of the wound thus effecting the healing process. Antibiotics can also have a hard time of reaching the site as well. As more and more people are diagnosed with diabetes, the number of amputations will only continue to rise. It is important to be diligent about your health and monitor your feet.
