World Diabetes Day: Experts warn diabetes now among leading causes of preventable limb loss

Hyderabad: On World Diabetes Day, healthcare experts are urging the public to recognise that diabetes is not only a metabolic condition, but it is also one of the leading causes of preventable limb loss.

With this year’s theme, ‘Diabetes Across Life Stages,’ doctors stress that lifelong monitoring and timely foot care can significantly reduce disability and improve quality of life for millions.

The global and national burden

According to the International Diabetes Federation, nearly 589 million adults worldwide, about one in nine, are living with diabetes. India, too, faces a growing burden due to sedentary habits and rising obesity rates.

While high blood sugar remains a central concern, the complications it triggers in the limbs often go unnoticed until they become severe.

‘Diabetes Is Not Just About Sugar’

Dr MA Muqsith Quadri, Senior Consultant, General Medicine and Diabetologist at CARE Hospitals, Nampally, notes that diabetes has far-reaching consequences beyond glucose imbalance.

“Diabetes is not just about sugar; it’s a condition that affects every system in the body. Over time, it can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, nerve damage and foot ulcers. Early diagnosis and regular follow-up can prevent most of these complications.”

He emphasises the importance of health checks, even for those who feel asymptomatic. “By the time symptoms appear, internal damage may have already begun. Anyone above 35 years, especially with a family history or obesity, should undergo regular health checks.”

How diabetes puts limbs at risk

Uncontrolled diabetes gradually damages nerves and blood vessels, especially in the feet.

Reduced sensation means small cuts, blisters or wounds can go unnoticed. Poor blood flow slows healing, allowing infections to progress rapidly. Without timely intervention, these complications may lead to gangrene and ultimately, amputation.

Common limb-related complications include:

• Peripheral neuropathy: numbness, tingling or burning in the feet

• Peripheral arterial disease: narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood supply

• Non-healing foot ulcers

• Severe infections that may spread to the underlying bone

• Gangrene, sometimes requiring limb removal

These problems often develop silently, making early screening essential.

‘Every 30 seconds, a leg is lost to diabetes’

Dr PC Gupta, Clinical Director and HOD – Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Vascular IR and Podiatric Surgery at CARE Hospitals, highlights the scale of the problem.

“Every 30 seconds, somewhere in the world, a leg is lost to diabetes. Most of these amputations are preventable through timely care and awareness. Early detection can save limbs and lives.”

He notes that simple precautions can make a substantial difference.

“Foot care may sound simple, but it can save your leg. Check your feet daily, wear proper footwear, never walk barefoot, and see a doctor immediately if a wound doesn’t heal.”

Coordinated care can prevent amputations

CARE Hospitals runs a Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Clinic bringing together vascular surgeons, diabetologists, interventional radiologists, podiatric specialists, and wound-care teams. This approach ensures early detection of nerve damage, identification of circulation issues, and rapid treatment of foot infections.

The model focuses on:

• Comprehensive screening

• Patient education

• Prevention of ulcers

• Early intervention for wounds

• Regular vascular and nerve assessments

Such integrated care significantly reduces the risk of amputation.

Beyond the physical: Addressing mental health

Diabetes-related limb complications are often accompanied by stress, anxiety and frustration from continuous monitoring. CARE Hospitals includes psychological counselling and support groups as part of its comprehensive management program. This ensures patients receive both physical and emotional support.

Early screening and daily foot care

On World Diabetes Day, experts emphasise that limb protection must become a routine aspect of diabetes management. Regular foot inspections, appropriate footwear, smoking cessation, balanced diets and consistent exercise form the foundation of prevention.

CARE Hospitals urges the public to adopt timely lifestyle changes and seek medical help at the earliest sign of numbness, slow-healing wounds or colour changes in the feet.

Small actions today can prevent life-altering complications tomorrow.