why do you lose limbs from diabetes

Diabetic patients are at risk of limb loss, typically due to vascular and nerve damage caused by chronic hyperglycemia.

Hyperglycemia in diabetic patients can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, leading to stenosis and impaired blood flow. This can affect blood supply to the limbs, particularly the lower limbs, resulting in ischemia. Ischemia deprives the leg muscles and tissues of adequate oxygen and nutrients, potentially leading to tissue necrosis. Moreover, diabetes can induce neuropathy, known as diabetic neuropathy, which diminishes the patient's sensory perception to pain, temperature, and pressure. Consequently, minor wounds may go unnoticed and untreated, increasing the risk of infection. Severe infections, if left untreated, may necessitate amputation to prevent further deterioration.

For diabetic patients, it is crucial to regularly monitor blood glucose levels, maintain good glycemic control, abstain from smoking, limit alcohol intake, follow a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, and conduct regular foot examinations. Any abnormalities should prompt timely medical consultation and treatment under a physician's guidance, rather than self-medicating without proper advice.