The risk of lower extremity amputation is 15 to 46 times higher in diabetics than in persons who do not have diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, foot complications are the most frequent reason for hospitalization in patients with diabetes, accounting for up to 25 percent of all diabetic admissions in the United States and Great Britain.
Risk Factors for Lower Extremity Amputation in the Diabetic Foot:
1. Absence of protective sensation due to peripheral neuropathy
2. Arterial insufficiency
3. Foot deformity and callus formation resulting in focal areas of high pressure
4. Autonomic neuropathy causing decreased sweating and dry, fissured skin
5. Limited joint mobility
6. Obesity
7. Impaired vision
8. Poor glucose control leading to impaired wound healing
9. Poor footwear that causes skin breakdown or inadequately protects the skin from high pressure and shear forces
10. History of foot ulcer or lower extremity amputation
Do you check your foot everyday?
No comments:
Post a Comment