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Amputation

Amputation - complication of diabetes

07/09/2007

Question:

My mother has had diabetes for 10 years. She tries to control her sugars, but is still suffering some complications. Recently when I was clipping her toenails, I noticed a small sore on her little toe. I`m terrified because usually when those ulcers appear on the skin, they`re a lot bigger underneath the surface. I have scheduled an appointment with a podiatrist, but want to know what her chances are of amputation and developing more sores.

Answer:

Because of poor healing and poor circulation, these small ulcers can be a problem for diabetics. Good foot care is necessary. You are doing the right thing by going to the podiatrist. He should check the blood supply and make sure that the circulation is adequate to allow for healing. If the blood supply is adequate, then the risk of amputation is low.

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Response by:

Blair Vermilion, MD Blair Vermilion, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University