A man in his 60's tells his story about diabetes. He explains how he lived a reasonably healthy lifestyle except for his love of sweet foods which caused him to gain weight in his late 30's. It wasn't long before he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and was encouraged to change his diet. This failed to curb his condition, insulin was recommended. Because of his fear of needles, the man failed to follow up on his treatment. Nearly 20 years after his initial diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, he obtained a very small blister on his foot from a new pair of shoes. Attempts were made to heal his blister, including skin grafts. One day he suffered from severe shaking, sweating and a cold feeling. He was on holidays at the time and he was not diagnosed with septicaemia until he returned home. His heel and part of his foot was black and had a terrible smell. Doctors diagnosed cellulitis which is a bacterial infection of the skin and he was treated with hospital. The medication didn't work and gangrene resulted in a leg amputation. A couple of years after his recovery, he mildly injured his other foot while driving but this was enough to turn his toe black. Again, gangrene resulted in his other leg being amputated. He eventually stopped working because of damage to his eyes caused by diabetes.
Source: summary of medical news story as reported by Irish Health
About: Uncontrolled diabetes can have serious consequences
Date: 24 January 2005
Source: Irish Health
Author: Deborah Condon
URL:
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