Diabetic foot first cause of amputation in Mexico

• May 3, 2024

The diabetic foot it is an affectation in the lower extremities, which arises as a consequence of the poor control of sugar and lack of hygiene; in Mexico is the first cause of non-traumatic amputation said the doctor Adolfo Cortez Morales , specialist of Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS)

Cortez Morales, owner of the Diabetes Clinic , from the Department of Endocrinology of the National Medical Center la Raza (CMN), indicated that up to 20% of the population with diabetes can develop diabetic foot , which can lead to the loss of the limb:

"In the Diabetes Clinic, the doctors of the IMSS are committed to prevention, which consists of inviting patients with diabetes to be all the time in a program to control their glucose levels. "

The doctor explained that it is essential to systematically review the feet in each consultation, in order to identify early lesions. Cortez Morales, said that patients with diabetes they should pay more attention to their feet, clean and dry them perfectly and identify if they notice any change in color or skin wounds to request medical help immediately.

For the care of the toenails, commented Cortez Morales, it should be avoided to cut the edge of these, of round shape, since it can provoke an injury or encourage that to be buried. The correct way to cut them is square: "On many occasions, diabetic feet They start with the famous buried nails, a direct consequence of a round nail cut that seeks a more aesthetic, healthy configuration. Any injury to the feet of a person with diabetes , it must be reviewed promptly, in order to establish the appropriate treatment and even, with the help of antibiotics. "

Cortez Morales added that there are signs that at first glance anticipate that the foot is at risk. In fact, the way in which the potential is classified or measured in a lesion of the feet are the changes of color and temperature of the limb before having any injury:

"The most important thing for the Institute is to identify in a timely manner the diabetes and treat it to prevent the evolution to complications that like the diabetic foot , they are extremely painful and expensive for the patient, the institute and society ".

The type of treatment used by the specialists of the Diabetes Clinic, said the IMSS expert, is with drugs to improve the circulation of the injured limb. The extra form of foot care includes wearing comfortable, broad-cut shoes made of natural and non-synthetic materials.