To have diabetes has its consequences, and one of them is that a wound can lead to an amputation. In 2016 there were 100 cases of leg amputations or a part of the leg, and with a lot of effort, we managed to drop to 64 cases in 2019. Unfortunately, we are projecting an increase in amputations again for 2020-2021. This is mainly due to the significant changes we faced worldwide this year.
This year we have seen an increase in amputations compared to previous years. Dr. Yuri Casseres, a surgeon, informed that they were able to lower the percentage of amputations thanks to an extensive program in previous years. Not only in Aruba but around the world, cases of amputations have increased because of COVID-19. During the lockdown/curfew, most people started a different lifestyle and maybe did not pay too much attention to their health; they ate differently and moved less. Another problem was that patients did not go to the Wound Clinic out of fear of getting infected with COVID-19 or because of other restrictions.
When they finally decided to go to the hospital, their leg was so bad that the only options left were either amputating the leg partially or fully. This can be seen in Aruba and around the world because everyone’s attention was to COVID-19. That is why we are seeing an increase this year in the percentage of amputations.
Dr. Casseres emphasized that it is very important for diabetic patients to go to their appointments because 5 out of 10 diabetic patients will get a wound on their foot. A person’s lifestyle plays a very important role, what you eat, if you’re wearing a pair of shoes that don’t fit or because you do not inspect your foot regularly. Once you have a wound, it is important to go to your general practitioner, who will refer you to the Wound Clinic to treat your wound as soon as possible.
Dr. Cassares denied that they are quick to amputate a leg. As doctors, we have always learned to preserve a body part foremost, but sometimes we must amputate to save the other leg or someone’s lives. The longer people wait to go to Wound Clinic, the worse the wound will become, and the infection goes more profound, and there is nothing more we can do than amputate the leg.
As soon as someone finds out that they have diabetes, they must watch their lifestyle, make sure their sugar levels are well controlled.
Control the leg every day, clean and dry between the toes very well, make sure you wear a pair of shoes that aren’t tight, do not walk barefooted because people with diabetes have no feelings in their foot anymore. Do not wash the leg with hot water because you may not feel how hot the water is.
