Amputation as a treatment for diabetes, though appearing drastic, is deemed a crucial measure by endocrinologists who argue that it is often a life-saving intervention.
While acknowledging the rising rates of diabetes-related amputations in Nigeria, these specialists emphasize the imperative for proactive measures to prevent diabetes and its severe complications.
Described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a chronic disease linked to insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin use, diabetes is identified as a major contributor to various health issues, including blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputations.
Endocrinologists stress the significance of early detection as a means to prevent amputations in individuals with diabetes.
Professor Olufemi Fasanmade, a Consultant Endocrinologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, underscores that approximately 10 percent of people with diabetes may develop diabetes foot ulcers, leading to potential amputation or even death.
Preventing amputation in diabetes patients, according to Fasanmade, involves maintaining well-controlled blood sugar levels, wearing appropriate footwear, and avoiding injuries to the feet.
Warning signs of diabetes foot ulcers, such as numbness, cramps, or a peppery sensation in the feet, should prompt individuals to seek immediate medical attention.
Highlighting the preventable nature of amputations, Fasanmade urges those with diabetes to inspect their feet daily for wounds, boils, or rashes, reporting any injuries promptly to healthcare professionals.
He emphasizes that delays in treatment can make amputation inevitable and, in severe cases, decaying limbs can pose life-threatening risks.
Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, Dr. Tajudin Adetunji, clarifies that amputation in diabetes patients is a measure taken to protect lives rather than an act of cruelty.
Adetunji underscores that the removal of a dead limb, through amputation, is crucial to preventing fatal consequences.
He emphasizes that once a limb becomes non-functional, failure or delay in removing it may pose severe risks to the patient, and global standards support the practice of amputation.
The risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers and amputation include prolonged diabetes duration and poor glycemic control.
Adetunji recommends regular foot exams, appropriate footwear, and avoiding harmful practices to reduce these risks.
Encouraging good diabetes control through early treatment by trained professionals is essential.
A retrospective cohort study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery supports the view that amputation in diabetes patients can be a lifesaving measure.
The study, which included 1,161 patients with diabetes undergoing amputation of a severely infected limb, revealed a nearly 50 percent reduction in the risk of death.
Additionally, patients who had amputation showed improved functional outcomes, such as the ability to ambulate independently.
In summary, endocrinologists advocate for a proactive approach to diabetes management, including regular foot examinations, adherence to good glycemic control, and prompt treatment of injuries to prevent severe complications that may necessitate amputation.
