It's actually just sarcasm and not condescension. But you'll get it some day.

I would think the amputation is not the problem. It's the fact that people get to the point that amputation is "needed"

Doctors don't just cut off limbs willy nilly. If as this study shows, a person only has like 3 years left to live after an amputation, would you not think that amputation would be a last resort for doctors? Most likely for those that get their leg amputated, their lifespan without amputation would be less than that 3 years. I doubt you will live another 25-40 years with a leg that a doctor says needs to be amputated. I would guess it would be like an infection, like the rusty nail in the foot. You will not make it past a month or year, if that.

So to any Diabetes people out there. Turn your life around now. If you wait until you hear you might need an amputee, it's too late. Your years are numbered to a handful at that point.

You used sarcasm to be condescending.

Have they told her they need to amputate something? Does she have a foot ulcer or something? From what I'm reading, it appears that only 25% of those with foot ulcers actually need amputation, and of those with Diabetes, only 25% ever get a foot ulcer. There are also many steps and things you can do to decrease those %'s on both of those stats. That same article I'm reading, talks about how 50% of those who get amputation die within 2 years. So it's not like this article is sugar coating or leaving out stuff.

I'm guessing this is why you wear sandals all the time. To spot an Ulcer early? Which is good, cause it says you should really go in and see the doctor about it as there is treatment and care to help with that Ulcer so that is reduces chance of needing amputation.

Same as the foot on a nail. Ignoring going to the doctor and thinking you can fix it yourself can result in untimely death. With what we know these days, there is no reason to be stubborn and ignore the doctor. The smallest of microisms are the deadliest. Most people won't die from a gushing sword wound, cause one it's insanely unlikely and two they would go to the hospital immediately if something like that happened. More will die by say cutting themselves on a corner of a desk that is rusty and ignoring it by just putting a Band-Aid on and thinking they aren't going to waste money going to the doctor for a little prick. Bring on infection, or virus, or whatever that ends, but from say a virus/infection by a tiny prick of a blade and thinking it will heal on its own. Heck, I have someone at work here that no matter what happens to her, whether she gets sick, throws out her back, breaks an arm, ect. She will wait a minimum of 10 days to see if she gets better on her own before she will go to the hospital. That is thinking that will end up being the death of her for something completely treatable.

That's my point though. According to the sheet I'm looking at, 25% of those with Diabetes get an ulcer sometime in their life, and of those, 25% will need an amputee. If my math is correct, that makes it that 6.25% of those with Diabetes will need an amputee at some point.

Definitely not a number to scoff at. I mean 6.25% chance of basically getting a less than 3 year life sentence is scare.

Though, the Ulcer risk is higher over the age of 60, as well as the risk for amputation may be decreased by up to 75% if a team specializing in the care of diabetic foot ulcers is involved. And up to 50% of diabetic foot ulcer cases can be prevented with appropriate education focused on teaching people with diabetes how to care for their feet.

So if your nervous being diabetic, the best advice would be. Learn preventative care for your feet to prevent an ulcer, and if you see anything go into the doctor immediately to get it looked at and treated asap.