Amputations – Causes and Precautions!!

Diabetes is in itself not only about less insulin and high sugar levels in the body. It can lead to nerve damage and a reduction in blood circulation. These two conditions can make the feet vulnerable to skin sores or ulcers. These ulcers can magnify in no time.

Amputation is the removal of a limb by trauma, medical illness, or surgery. It is an extreme precaution taken when a wound does not heal for a long time. Diabetes is one of the major reasons that lead to slow healing. It often leads to gangrene and amputations.

Statistics have proved that India is the capital of Diabetes in the world. This life-threatening disorder is becoming an epidemic and affecting people of all ages. As per the national conference on diabetes, India’s 15 percent of the diabetic population suffers from ulcers at least once in their lifetime. More than 80 percent of the amputations start with foot ulcers. A non-curable ulcer can cause significant damage to tissues and bone. It may need surgical removal of toe, foot or part of the leg.

Watch this Video to Know 5 Reasons For Diabetes Foot Amputation

But the good news is, with proper diabetic medication and foot care, you can prevent foot ulcers. It is found that minimum care would bring down the lower limb amputations by 50 percent.

Symptoms of Ulcer

Foot ulcers are a common complication of inadequately managed diabetes, developing as a result of skin tissue breaking down and revealing the layers underneath. These ulcers, if not treated well, increases the infections and lead to amputations. Here are a few symptoms of an ulcer, which if not taken proper care might become worse and lead to amputation.

• Toenails grew inside might cause severe damage to the nerves and blood cells.
• Blisters might not heal and lead to decay.
• Plantar warts on the foot soles that make your foot tender and cause small blood clots.
• Open sore leads to dangerous infections.
• Foul smell due to some unhealed wounds.
• Ulcer lasting for more than 1 or 2 weeks due to slow healing.
• A deep ulcer such that you can see the bone below and shows no signs of healing.
• Swelling
• Redness
• Discolored skin

Factors leading to the risk of amputation

All people with diabetes are at risk for foot ulcers. These are caused by multiple factors. Some factors can increase the risk of foot ulcers which eventually leads to deeper infections and may cause amputations, including:

• High blood pressure above 140/80
• High blood sugar levels causing slow healing.
• Nerve deterioration leading to their decay.
• Reduction in blood circulation to the nerve endings not allowing healing.
• Previous foot ulcer history, leading to further deterioration.
• Previous amputation.
• Kidney disease.
• Smoking reduces circulations to the feet.

When is Amputation Done?

Amputation is the extreme step taken when an ulcer is not healing and becomes a life threat. It usually sets out as an ulcer. Diabetes faces slow healing which makes ulcer complications worse. Sometimes the wound is so deep, that the bones would be visible resulting in excruciating pain. These kinds of ulcers stay for longer than 2-3 weeks and show no signs of healing. The tissues around them also are dead and they start to decay.  The doctors try to heal them in the beginning through proper medications. When the wound is beyond any kind of medical healing, the doctors advise amputation. 

In the process of amputation, the dead tissues and damaged tissues are removed with a surgical procedure. Sometimes, in severe cases, the entire limb is removed to prevent the infection from spreading further. These have a traumatic effect on the patients mentally and psychologically. With consistent rehabilitation and post-surgery precautions, the patients are helped to come back for a routine life.

Ayurvedic Medication!!

Diabetes is increasing radically in current times. The stress in daily life, hereditary factors, and lifestyle changes make diabetes worse. Our ignorance towards ulcers are reasons for the increase in amputation. Diabetics need to follow a healthy lifestyle. They should develop healthy food habits and exercise regularly. Following a proper diabetes treatment plan is a must to have blood sugar levels under control.  Along with the above, you need to be observant about the sores and ulcers occurring in your foot. Timely help is the best precaution to take to save yourself from the pain of ulcers or wounds. 

Watch this Video to Know What Is Diabetes According To Ayurveda

The ideal way of tackling diabetes is Ayurveda. It prescribes all-natural and purely herbal supplements that ensure zero side effects.  These herbs have the highest anti-diabetic properties and no side effects.

FACT: The Average Lifetime Cost of Treating Diabetes Complications runs more than ₹ 50,00,000!!!

Do’s and Don’ts for Diabetes Wound Care

Remember that even a small scrape can become serious if you don’t take proper care of it. Diabetes can cause wounds to heal more slowly. This increases the risk of people with diabetes developing infections and other severe complications. Here are some of the Do’s and Don’ts for Diabetes Wound Care

What should I do?

• Wash feet daily with a non-medicated soap gentle enough for a baby’s skin
• Dry carefully between toes with cotton.
• Cut your toenails very carefully. Cut it straight across, avoiding cutting them too short or cutting into corners
• Wear only proper fitting shoes.
• Always wear a clean and dry sock.
• Walk inside the house as well as outside wearing shoes.
• Inspect or have someone check at your feet daily to see if there are discolorations of any kind
• checking your blood sugar levels regularly
• exercising for at least 30 minutes daily
• maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure

What should I avoid?

• Do not use any medication, drug, antiseptic or plaster on your feet that are not prescribed
• Do not apply hot water bags, heating pads or other heating devices to your feet
• Do not cut any hard skin, corns or calluses that you may have on your feet
• Do not smoke cigarettes – they can rob your feet off the circulation of blood they need.
• Do not cut your toenails if you cannot see well.
• Do not walk around barefoot.
• avoiding sugar-sweetened juice and soda

Conclusion :

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of health damage around the globe. It leads to various forms of diseases and in severe cases causes amputations. Studies have shown that diabetes is one of the major causes of amputation. With some basic foot care and lifestyle modifications, amputation can be completely avoided. These precautions include maintaining blood glucose levels, taking proper food care and cultivating healthy habits. They ensure proper blood circulations around the body and fast healing of wounds. By following these precautions, amputations can be easily avoided.

How Turmeric and Black Jamun Can Help Diabetic

Ayurvedic herbs are extremely effective to control diabetes naturally. Some herbs are very potent in reducing blood sugar levels. Herbs like Turmeric and Jamun, widely used as home remedies for diabetes treatment. These allow us to have a better sensitivity towards insulin.

 

Managing diabetes becomes easy when these kinds of medicinal herbs are a part of our diet.

 

Jamun is a tropical tree fruit that belongs to the family Myrtaceae. Jamun is native to areas such as Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia.

 

Turmeric is a plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It holds popularity in Indian households in cooking and medicinal uses.

 

Now let’s talk about the tasty berry Jamun Fruit and its benefits in diabetes treatment as they control diabetes.

 

Black Jamun for Diabetes (Kala Jamun Fruit, Jamun Fruit for Diabetes)

Black jamun has excellent curative properties in a variety of conditions. The polyphenolic compounds found in it have shown effectiveness against cancer, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, stomach disorders as well as diabetes.

 

Black jamun is good for diabetics. The black plum (java plum) has anti-diabetic properties. It converts starch into energy thereby keeping the blood sugar levels in check. It has a low Glycemic Index and is very beneficial for sugar patients.

 

It also relieves diabetic symptom of frequent urination.

 

Along with the flesh of the fruit, the powdered seeds, bark, extracts of the bark seeds and leaves are very useful in the treatment of urine sugar. The fruit and its seeds have low glycemic index. It has a jamboline which controls the conversion of starch into sugar.

 

That is the reason why it is considered as one of the best ayurvedic medicine to curb diabetes.

 

Generally sugar patients can safely eat one teaspoon of powdered jamun seeds. Jamun Seeds along with their daily medication is more effective and less invasive diabetes control.

 

While Jamun can easily aid beneficial effects for diabetes. It’s seeds are equally popular in terms of ayurvedic herbs to control diabetes.

Jamboline & Jambosine:

It is a berry found in plenty in India. It is famous for its anti-diabetic properties. It is well known for the health benefits and medicinal properties. It houses fats, vitamins, proteins and various minerals and useful for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

 

It has got various medicinal properties and rich in vitamins…

 

For people with Diabetes the seeds of kala jamun are loaded with Jambosine & Jamboline. That slows down rate of the sugar being released in blood. Additionally, the seeds help in increasing body’s insulin level.  

 

The jambosine in jamun fruit is an alkaloid which is held in high regard. Because of its ability to keep sugar conversion in check.

Better Digestion:

Jamun serves as coolant & helps with the treatment of digestion-related issues. The consumption of jamun seeds promotes healthy movement of the bowel. This aids in reduction of blood sugar level with better metabolism.

 

To control diabetes via Jamun seeds, peel off the outer shell first. Then wash, dry the seeds and grind the same in powdered form.

 

Make sure you consume jamun seed powder every day to regulate your blood sugar level. Few people have jamun juice in their routine for better digestion.

Body Detoxification:

Jamun dried seeds are packed with Flavonoids which is a powerful form of antioxidant. It helps flush out the harmful and health deteriorating free radicals from the body.

 

This seasonal fruit also aids in improvement of the immune system’s functionality. That can be particularly crucial for the maintenance of diabetes. It one of the traditional medicines to treat diabetes.

Control Blood Sugar Level:

You can also eat Jamun for its hypoglycaemic effect. It houses alkaloids which prevent the conversion of starch into sugar.

Make sure you consume the powdered form of jamun seeds with luke warm water to keep the sugar level normal.

 

Now that you know the benefits of Jamun seeds, let’s understand what makes turmeric an effective option to control diabetes.

Turmeric for Diabetes

Turmeric is also known as Curcuma Longa by its botanical name. It has been long used in Indian cooking.  It is an active ingredient in the Indian (Ayurveda) and Chinese traditional medicine systems.

 

It is used extensively in pain relief, cancer prevention, lowering cholesterol and also blood sugar levels. In studies conducted by Beijing University of Chinese medicine. Curcumin has been known to reduce sugar and cholesterol levels along with liver protection.

 

The main activity of turmeric that reduces the inflammation caused by diabetes complications. It has the ability to suppress the activity of the macrophages causing inflammation.

 

Turmeric improves insulin function by reducing insulin resistance. This is similar to the effect of physical activity by helping insulin enter the cells.

 

During clinical trials, it is found that,It protects the beta cells that produce insulin.

 

Though turmeric can be added to many foods especially in the Indian cuisine, it can also be used as capsules. Ancient and current studies also point out the use of pepper along with turmeric for better absorption.  This will otherwise be poorly absorbed. And the very little that enters the body is also flushed out quickly.

 

Most of the diabetics are aware that turmeric serves as a beneficial addition to the low-glycemic diet. This can help to control diabetes.

Curcumin:

Turmeric houses curcumin which is effective in terms of weight loss. This aids in better insulin levels as weight acts as a major motivator for diabetic patients.

 

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties stored within turmeric have found its way in Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal treatment. 

 

Turmeric reduces blood glucose by increasing plasma insulin. Prevents diabetes-induced oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory effects suppress diabetic neuropathic pain.

Liver Fat Accumulation:

Curcumin aids in the prevention of fat accumulation in the liver. Lower liver fat directlyrelates to lower blood sugar levels.

Avoid Inflammation:

Turmeric helps avoid inflammation caused due to the macrophages present in the WBCs. The usage of turmeric can bring down any diabetes complication. Where inflammation tends to play an important role for the diabetes patients.

Insulin Functionality:

When it comes to controlling diabetes, curcumin is known to improve insulin levels in the body. It reduces any insulin resistance which helps the insulin reach inside the cells. This is the AMPK pathway which is also opened up by any form of exercise. 

Prevents Diabetes Progression:

Diabetes as a whole is a constantly progressive degenerative disease. Diabetes leads to the start of various other health issues such as high blood pressure.

 

Regular Consumption of Turmeric gives an excellent halt in the progression of the disease. Curcumin present in turmeric protects the beta cells that produce insulin.

Kidney Support:

Curcumin is also known to promote the clearance of any urea. Creatinine present in the bloodstream by enhancing the functionality of the kidneys.

Prevents Nerve Damage:

Curcumin acts on the deteriorative action caused by diabetes. Especially the ones that tend to induce nerve damage.

Treats Diabetic Complications:

Studies have confirmed that curcumin can help treat various complications related to diabetes. The complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, as well as several cardiovascular issues.

Accelerates Healing:

Patients with diabetes often run the risk of slow healing. This lead to various infections and at times need amputation of the body parts due to extended infection.

 

Curcumin helps with acceleration of the natural healing process. This restores the nerve damage and better wound healing.