Diabetes is the leading cause of lower-limb amputations—happening every 40 hours in Saskatchewan. The cost? Lives, mobility, and billions in healthcare spending.
How Diabetes Leads to Amputation
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy) – Diabetes affects circulation and damages nerves, causing loss of sensation in the feet.
- A Small Cut Goes Unnoticed – Without feeling, a simple blister or cut can go undetected.
- Slow Healing & Infection – Poor blood flow means wounds heal slowly, increasing the risk of infection.
- Severe Infection & Gangrene – If untreated, infections spread rapidly, leading to amputation.
The Cost of Wound Care & Amputation
- $100,000+ per amputation in healthcare costs.
- Canada spends $11.1 billion annually on wound care, including diabetes-related complications (Wounds Canada).
- Up to $27 million spent annually in Saskatchewan on diabetes-related complications (Diabetes Canada).
- Most amputations are preventable with proper foot care, screening, and early intervention.
Prevention Saves Limbs & Lives
- Daily foot checks – Catch small injuries early
- Proper footwear & orthotics – Reduce pressure & prevent wounds
- Routine medical check-ups – Foot exams can identify high-risk patients
- Offloading pressure – Custom footwear & support devices aid healing
Diabetes Canada & Wounds Canada stress the importance of early intervention, proper wound care, and offloading devices to prevent amputations.
Don’t ignore foot health—spread the word. Check out Diabetes Canada and Wounds Canada for more information.
