Image Commercially Licensed from: Depositphotos

By: Hillary Levin

Diabetes poses a significant threat to nerve health and circulation, potentially necessitating lower limb amputations. The risk of developing foot or leg ulcers increases due to reduced blood flow, particularly in individuals with diabetes. Compounded by neuropathy, the loss of sensation in the foot can result in delayed detection of mild ulcers, allowing them to progress into severe conditions.

Circulation issues, notably peripheral artery disease, can impede the healing of ulcers, leading to infections, tissue necrosis, and the potential loss of a lower limb. Despite the elevated risk of amputation among those with diabetes, proactive management of blood sugar levels, appropriate footwear, and diligent foot care can substantially mitigate this complication.

The Prevalence of Diabetes

Diabetes stands as a significant contributor to lower limb loss, with global statistics indicating a limb lost every 30 seconds due to diabetes-related complications, according to the American Diabetes Association. 

An alarming surge in amputations has emerged, disproportionately impacting individuals with diabetes. Annually, approximately 200,000 people undergo amputations in the United States, with a staggering 130,000 of them grappling with diabetes. They are expensive too, as the average cost for each amputation is over $70,000.

Concurrently, a diabetes epidemic has gripped about 34 million U.S. adults, a number projected to escalate according to CDC estimates, predicting that one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050. A noteworthy portion of this population may experience advanced Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), culminating in critical limb ischemia— the obstruction of blood vessels in the lower limbs, resulting in foot ulcers and persistent wounds. Regrettably, some of these wounds are addressed through an amputation-first approach rather than revascularization. Revascularization, if administered before amputation, holds the potential to unblock blood vessels, restore blood flow, and salvage limbs.

A paradigm shift is imperative to counter the diabetes epidemic and curtail amputation rates. Despite technological advancements, amputation rates have paradoxically risen in recent decades. The repercussions extend beyond individual health, burdening the healthcare system with billions of dollars in direct and indirect medical costs. For those contending with diabetes, amputations translate into enduring disability, heightened susceptibility to chronic pain and depression, and at times, the forfeiture of the capacity to contribute productively to society.

Indications for Diabetic Amputations

While not everyone with diabetes necessitates amputation, it is typically considered when a wound or ulcer on the foot or lower leg fails to heal. Additionally, a doctor might recommend amputation as a preventive measure against the spread of infection. Amputations are often progressive, with the initial removal of the minimal necessary tissue, though further surgery may be required if healing or blood flow remains insufficient.

The Warning Signs

Individuals with diabetes need to be vigilant about foot health, given the increased risk of non-healing wounds that may lead to amputation. Warning signs include swelling, blisters, ingrown toenails, open sores, athlete’s foot, and ulcers lasting longer than a week, among others. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial when these symptoms arise, as treatment options depend on the severity and underlying causes.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of limb amputation. Managing blood sugar levels through stress reduction, balanced meal plans, regular exercise, and medication adherence is vital. Foot care practices, such as regular examinations, stimulation of blood flow by wiggling toes, wearing dry socks, and avoiding walking barefoot, are crucial preventive steps.

A 2020 review highlighted factors that increased amputation risk, including male gender, smoking history, previous foot ulcers, osteomyelitis, gangrene, lower body mass index, and elevated white blood cell count. Notably, the presence of gangrene significantly heightened the likelihood of amputation.

Considering Innovative Diabetic Wound Treatments

One such treatment for non-healing diabetic wounds is Vitastem Ultra. One of the most potent topical antibiotics in the world that has proven to be a very effective diabetic wound care treatment while helping prevent countless amputations over the past 10 years and counting when used to treat and heal diabetic ulcers.

Developed using the innovative transdermal drug delivery system by parent company ViaDerma (OTC: VDRM), Vitastem Ultra is the only antibiotic in the world that kills with both a physical and chemical mechanism, giving it a unique ability to defeat drug-resistant bacteria. It also possesses a unique ability to heal and regenerate tissue, unlike any other medication available to consumers in the market.

Vitastem Ultra boasts that around 96% of patients with diabetic wounds & ulcers saw improvements within just 2 weeks of use, while dwarfing the largest name brand Rx competitor at 50% of patients seeing improvements at 20 weeks. To date, Vitastem Ultra has saved countless patients from amputations, thus reducing their hospital stays and increasing their life expectancy.

And, unlike oral antibiotics and injections, Vitastem Ultra, being a topical antibiotic spray, does not have the same ill effects on the internal organs of the body. In addition, Vitastem will not harm the kidneys or the good bacteria in the stomach when used to treat diabetic ulcers or other wounds.

In conclusion, individuals living with diabetes face an elevated risk of lower limb amputation, primarily attributed to non-healing wounds or ulcers. Factors like high blood sugar levels and smoking further amplify the risk of foot-related complications, emphasizing the importance of meticulous foot care and lifestyle management. Timely intervention for foot issues can prevent ulcers and infections, ultimately reducing the likelihood of amputation. If you or a loved one is struggling with a serious diabetic wound, then it may be time to ask your doctor about trying Vitastem to treat and heal diabetic ulcers once and for all.