22 January 2020
People with diabetes have an increased risk of amputations; it is possible to prevent most diabetes related amputations by wearing proper footwear and taking good care of the feet.
What causes foot amputation in diabetics?
In some cases, diabetes can lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD causes your blood vessels to narrow and reduces blood flow to your legs and feet. It may also cause nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy. This could prevent you from feeling pain.
Why would amputation be necessary?
If you cannot feel pain, you may not realise you have a wound or ulcer on your feet. You may continue putting pressure on the affected area, which can cause it to grow and become infected.
Reduced blood flow can slow wound healing. It can also make your body less effective at fighting infection. As a result, your wound may not heal. Tissue damage or death (gangrene) may occur, and any existing infection may spread to your bone.
If the infection cannot be stopped or the damage is irreparable, amputation may be necessary. The most common amputations in people with diabetes are the toes, feet, and lower legs
With appropriate ongoing diabetes management, foot care, and wound care, many people with diabetes can limit their risk of amputation or prevent it entirely.
Emma Hardy (MP) for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle has recently been raising awareness regarding the staggering difference in limb amputation rates across the UK and she has plans to raise the issue with the Health Secretary directly in the Commons on 16th January 2020, during a debate with the Queen’s Speech.
It is noted that people in the North are 30% more likely to lose a leg or foot than someone in the South.
Emma Hardy is calling on the Government to take drastic action. She believes it is a “hidden and growing crisis in healthcare”. She has highlighted that it is very unfair that the outcome for treatment depends on where you live in the country and that once again, it is those in the North of England who come off worse. She has stated that urgent action is require to end this terrible inequality and improve the outcomes for all suffers.
You can read more on the article below:
Northerners 30% more likely to have a leg amputated than Southerners due to health care inequality
Our Clinical Negligence department, has vast experience and knowledge in relation diabetic related amputations and believe there are many patients out there that have suffered as a result of poor diabetic care.
If you, or any of your family have been affected by a similar story please contact Williamsons Solicitors, on 01482 323697, for free initial advice.
