Steep climb in amputations

The number of Missourians likely to face amputation because of diabetes is expected to be about 30% more this year than it was two years ago. The state health department recorded 1,300 diabetes-related amputations in 1998, and expects 1,700 this year. The department says half of those amputations could be prevented. The manager of the state diabetes program, Jo Anderson, says foot care is a key. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and circulation problems in the feet and lower limbs. That combination can mean that diabetics might not notice a blister or a sore that can become infected. And if they are spotted, healing might be impaired, again because of poor circulation.