Diabetic Feet: Safeguard Measures and Prevention of Amputation - Dr. Priyatham Kamath

Every year, on an average 4,000 to 5,000 people seek care, for foot and ankle problems at the Podiatric Outpatient Department (OPD) at KMC Hospital, Mangalore. At the Department, super specialized doctors focus on proper wound care, keeping feet healthy, especially for those being at the risk of diabetes-related issues.

As a result of their utmost care and attention, very many patients recover, and only a fewer than 20 individuals in a year undergo major amputations, meaning lose their leg. It is significant to note that this accounts for less than 0.5 percent of the cases. Thus, it is gratifying and joyful to note that the limb is saved in most of the patients.

While in the majority of patients the limb is salvaged, it is essential to understand and take precautions against the risk of diabetes related foot problems. Experienced and specialist Doctors in this specialized field of Podiatry, emphasize the need to ‘Know your risk, Know your response.’

Being aware of the risks associated with diabetes and timely medical treatment, is very crucial in preventing the loss of limbs. Thus, avoiding emotional and financial burden on the families.

Here are a few precautionary measures to be taken by every diabetic patient:

Regular Check-ups

1. Importance: Ensure to visit your doctor regularly, especially if you have diabetes, as it allows for early detection and prevention of potential complications.

Manage Diabetes Effectively

1. Doctor's Guidance: Follow your doctor's instructions meticulously regarding the management of your diabetes, encompassing medication, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications.

2. Medication Compliance: Adherence to prescribed medications is crucial for effectively controlling blood sugar levels and minimizing the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

3. Dietary Modifications: Abide by dietary recommendations provided by your healthcare provider to ensure proper nutrition while managing blood sugar levels.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Incorporate lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep to complement medical treatment and improve overall diabetes management.

5. Blood Sugar Control: By managing diabetes well, individuals can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing health problems related to the condition, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Healthy Lifestyle

1. Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity as advised by your healthcare provider, which contributes to better blood sugar control, weight management, and overall well-being.

2. Balanced Diet: Adopt a balanced diet comprising a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, to support optimal health and diabetes management.

3. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of regular exercise and a balanced diet is essential for reducing the risk of obesity-related health issues and managing diabetes effectively.

4. Importance of Healthy Lifestyle: Embracing a healthy lifestyle, encompassing regular exercise and a balanced diet, not only supports diabetes management but also lowers the risk of developing various other health problems.

5. Overall Benefits: Healthy living practices contribute to improved physical and mental well-being, enhanced energy levels, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases, promoting longevity and quality of life.

Diabetic Foot Care

Do’s

1. Examine your feet daily and look for injuries.

2. Keep the webspace dry (area between two toes)

3. Regularly moisturize your feet.

4. Cut nails regularly, trim them square.

5. Always use footwear while walking.

6. Get regular foot check-ups from a podiatrist or foot specialist for prevention, early detection and treatment of foot problems.

Don’ts

1. Do not walk barefooted. (both within and outside the home).

2. Avoid submerging your feet in boiling water.

3. Do not use hot water bags, heating pads or apply any strong counter irritants (e.g. Balms). You may burn your foot/feet without noticing.

4. Do not wear tight-fitting elastic socks and shoes.

5. Do not remove callus and corns at home.

6. Do not undergo vigorous oil massages of the feet.

In conclusion, while the numbers at our centre indicate a relatively low rate of major amputations, the overall disease burden is huge, and it is essential to be proactive and educate the healthcare workers and patients about the care to be taken.

Understanding the risks, regular check-ups, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are key steps in preventing the loss of limbs.

As this year’s World Diabetes Theme ‘Know your risk, know your response’ let us all take a collective pledge to be vigilant and defeat diabetes, ultimately saving both limbs and lives.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.