Amputation is an unfortunate consequence of advanced diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when fluctuations in blood glucose affect nerve endings throughout the body and particularly in the lower leg. Patients note a loss of feeling, and it is easy for ulceration to appear and remain unnoticed. A new study has revealed that tall diabetics are more at risk of amputation.
The study was conducted in Taiwa, and will be published in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association. The results suggest that taller diabetic patients suffering from peripheral nerve damage may be at a higher risk of lower-leg amputation. The results further reiterate the importance for diabetic patients to undergo frequent monitoring to make sure any early signs of complications are diagnosed and treated.
Taller diabetics were shown to be at greater risk of developing peripheral sensory loss due to the longer nerve fibres that make up their bodies. The authors highlighted the fact that in Taiwan incidences of amputation are significantly less than in predominately white populations. However, diabetes is still responsible for half of all lower-limb amputations in Taiwan.
The study has implications for the UK, and particularly for taller diabetics who may be concerned about the feeling in their lower leg. Patients are urged to make foot care a priority and to seek regular medical evaluation.

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