Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that has severe consequences if it is taken lightly and is not controlled, since if the established medical treatment is not complied with, it is likely that the blood glucose concentration will remain high compared to normal. the normal values.
These consequences are irreversible, such as the famous diabetic foot, in addition to this, diabetes can also cause blindness, heart disease and blood vessels, dementia, kidney disease, hearing impairment, among other complications.
We emphasize the diabetic foot because it is the main cause of lower limb amputations . It is very important to know why it gets complicated and what we can do to prevent it, because there is always a time to avoid lower limb amputation.
Diabetic arterial disease, showing gangrene and ulcerations of the toes. Although it is unusual in other atherosclerotic peripheral vascular diseases, this condition is a serious threat in diabetes. A hand is shown taking the dorsal pedis press.
What is a diabetic foot?
The diabetic foot is caused by irreversible damage to the blood vessels and even to the nerves, which causes pain, swelling, loss of sensitivity, tingling and burning sensations in the foot.
Why is it complicated?
The diabetic foot is complicated by the lack of sensation that occurs, so it is very easy to have cuts, blisters and sores and not even realize it. Worst of all, in diabetic patients healing is very slow, and this is where there is a high risk of the appearance of ulcerations that can quickly become complicated if not treated on time, so in the worst case gangrene appears and causes an amputation .
What happens if the diabetic foot with gangrene is not amputated ?
Gangrene requires urgent medical attention since, depending on the type, its spread can become too fast. Gangrene is the death of tissues due to loss of blood supply, gangrene usually affects the fingers and toes, however in type 2 diabetes it is common for it to start in the fingers. the feet.
When there is gangrene, it is necessary to treat it with an antibiotic and remove it from the affected area, that is, an amputation because if the dead tissue is not removed, the gangrene spreads throughout the rest of the body, that is, each area affected by gangrene is dead, and It can cause the complete death of the person.
The symptoms of gangrene are:
- Skin discoloration: This can be pale gray to blue, black, purple, and red
- Severe foul-smelling pain followed by numbness
- Swelling
- blisters
- Foul discharge, plus an unpleasant odor
- Cold skin
- Fever or low blood pressure
