Amputations and Diabetes

Are we ignoring the cause of most amputations?

Left foot amputation

Recently I read in ‘The Bulletin’ that in New Zealand, lower limb amputations due to diabetes is on the rise.  In 2017 there were 796 lower limb amputations, while in 2023 there were 1181 and 13 diabetics under 30 had amputations.  The article points out the great work being done by podiatrists and the lack of funding that may be holding them back from doing even more.  However, is the problem being addressed at the bottom of the cliff?  What are we doing to actively reduce the incidence of diabetes.

When are Health Agencies throughout the world going to step up and acknowledge the true cause of diabetes?  We are still focused on a lack of insulin to manage the blood glucose levels.  When are we going to begin to actively educate everyone, doctors, nurses, podiatrists, general public that type-2 diabetes is caused by a diet where the level of incoming glucose exceeds the person tolerance to manage it.  Diabetes is the body’s response to a massive incoming level of a toxic substance.  The human body is trying to survive this onslaught. 

We have created a food climate where some people are consuming over 300 grams of refined carbohydrate daily which is toxic, plus the high resulting level of insulin is also toxic.  High levels of diabetes in the population is what is causing the epidemic of amputations.

The current approach to diet and eating, where 300 grams of carbohydrate is somehow OK, completely overwhelms a body’s ability to remove the toxic glucose from the blood with its own hormone, insulin. Now the body is awash in toxic glucose plus the resulting toxic excess insulin which drives up fat storage.

We know from research and practice that around 70 grams of carbohydrate per day is a tolerable level for most people.  For some ethnic groups this level is still too high.  By getting the carbohydrate down we get diabetes under control.

We don’t have to look far to see this happening daily.  Check out www.defeatdiabetes.com.au in Australia.  They are reversing diabetes with low-carb diets.  Check out www.virtahealth.com in USA. They are reversing diabetes with low-carb diets.  Check out “Reversal NZ” on Facebook with Dr. Glen Davies, reversing diabetes in his local Taupo patients using low-carb diets.  When will this be acknowledged by Health NZ and other agencies, with major advertising and campaigns begun, targeting everyone.  We need to teach people about food, diet, eating sequence, and provide meal plans and support to assist them with a transition to lower carb living.

Health NZ’s national director of Pacific health, Markerita Poutasi Is quoted in ‘The Bulletin’ article saying “The annual cost burden of diabetes is currently around $2.6 billion a year or 0.68% of GDP, and is projected to reach $3.5b by 2043”.

Get free nutrition guidance or my book at www.takebackyrhealth.com. 

Seek professional medical advice before dietary changes, particularly if on medication.  George Elder, Certified Health Coach, Author, Diploma in Nutrition. 

The best thing you can do for your health is eat better.