LEADING CAUSE OF AMPUTATION
Nerve disease caused by type-2 diabetes is the leading cause of amputation of feet, toes, legs, hands and arms among diabetes sufferers. Collectively, the disorders which cause these amputations are called Diabetic Neuropathies. Foot problems are the most frequent reasons for hospitalization of people with type-2 diabetes. It is unfortunate how many diabetes-linked hospitalizations and amputations could have been prevented with better management of diabetes.
50% OF AMPUTATIONS ARE PREVENTABLE
The earlier that action is taken to maximize insulin sensitivity, the greater the chance is of avoiding the need for amputation. Sadly, too many patients receive a late diagnosis of diabetes and have to undergo amputations. More than half of all lower limb amputations in the United States occur in people with diabetes – 86,000 amputations per year at the last count. Doctors estimate that nearly half of the amputations caused by neuropathy could have been prevented.
