New kit in diabetic care saves many from amputation

Neuropathy that causes loss of sensation in the legs is very common among diabetics, making them ignore wounds and sores in the legs that over a period of time can infect the leg. 

When Ramesh, a factory worker and a diabetic, living near Minjur, developed sores on his legs he kept ignoring it. But after the infection advanced, there was very little that could be done and he had to have his left leg amputated. Though his right leg was also developing sores, with timely help from a diabetologist and podiatrist he avoided amputation. His only regret is that he wasn’t aware of the implications of foot care, especially for a diabetic, earlier. According to studies, in a sample of 100 diabetics, one in every six persons will develop foot complications. Another study showed that 10-12 per cent out of 100 diabetics had infections that was the prime cause for amputations. In India patients with diabetic foot infection requiring an amputation usually have to pay Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000. Further the cost of an artificial limb is Rs.5,000 to Rs.10,000. 

Dr Vijay Viswanathan, head and chief diabetologist, MV Hospital for Diabetes and Prof M Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre, Royapuram, said that with the available latest technology many diabetics’ legs can be saved from amputation. He also emphasised on the importance of awareness. 

Handing out a pamphlet on the five cardinal rules for foot care and foot care kits, he said, “Amputations also come with their own sets of complications. According to a sample study involving countries like India and Bangladesh, almost 30 per cent of them had died after an amputation due to the strain on the heart and another 15 per cent of them had suffered a heart attack, following the procedure. There is also an increase in costs of treatment for those who have undergone the procedure.” 

He said that amputation is the last resort, empirically only when the infection has worsened. He said, “There are wound healing techniques like hyperbaric oxygen and magneto therapy that can help.”