Diabetes-related health complications can cause severe nerve and tissue damage to the lower limbs. In the worst cases (and, unfortunately, this happens all too often), this necessitates amputation. The medical research field is working on ways to prevent or heal such damage before such drastic action is required. But what of those who do lose feet or legs? The next step is learning to use prosthetics. And, as the LA Times reports today, the prosthetic industry is experiencing a boom as diabetes rates soar.

Let's look at some numbers to illustrate just how much demand has grown: there are now 1.9 million amputees in the US, reports the Times article, and approximately sixty percent of those are diabetes-related. Compare this, says reporter Daniel Costello, with the 630 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who have undergone amputation. A shocker, isn't it? It's also estimated that around five of every one thousand diabetics eventually require amputation of damaged feet and/or legs.

These days, "there's no such thing as a slow day," remarks William Yule, prosthetist and manager of Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics in Downey. "It can be hard because you can't help thinking a lot of these people don't need to be here," says Yule, alluding to the fact that so many of his clients are overweight Type 2 diabetics. Times reporter Costello spoke with Yule and others in the prosthetic industry and found that the upswing in business is an across-the-board phenomenon that some say is unrivaled since the Civil War, when maimed soldiers returning from battle brought about an unprecedented demand for prosthetics.

The Times article also includes a photo gallery that's worth checking out.

How amazing. People who develop Type 2 diabetes are significantly more likely than the non-diabetic population to have a history of carpal tunnel syndrome, an extremely pesky nerve problem in the wrist that can be corrected with surgery. According to the researchers who identified the link, carpal tunnel syndrome can predate the onset of diabetes by up to ten years. Their study found that, after adjusting for other risk factors, those with diabetes had experienced carpal tunnel syndrome at a thirty-six percent higher rate than the non-diabetic control group.

So, why the connection? Well, it seems high blood sugar levels are to blame. It is thought that having higher than normal blood sugar levels - along with the associated metabolic abnormalities this causes - may make people particularly vulnerable to peripheral nerve disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

The study was conducted by a team from King's College, London, who looked at the medical records for a whopping 644,495 British patients before reaching this conclusion. The results of the study have been published in Diabetes Care.

Diabetics almost always have problems with their feet.  Poor circulation causes swelling in the legs and feet, minor trauma like a stumped toe that does not heal, callus formations, nerve damage, are all problems with the feet when you are a diabetic. So how do you prevent some of these problems from happening? Take care of your feet daily.

Inspect your feet every day for bruises, cuts, sores, or changes in your toenails. Pay more attention to minor injuries if you drop something on your foot or kick something accidentally. Wash your feet daily with a mild soap and luke warm water and be sure to dry between your toes very good. Also use a moisture cream if your feet are dry to prevent cracking but make sure you rub it in well and don't leave lotion in between your toes. Keep your toenails trimmed and never cut into the side of the nail. Always cut straight across the nail and file away any sharp corners or edges. Do not try to remove or cut off a callus or corn on your own. Always see a Podiatrist for that so you don't injure yourself. Buy shoes based on comfort and fit and make sure your shoes are not too tight. Measure your foot every time you buy shoes. Shoes should fit both the length and the width of the foot leaving plenty of room for the toes and should not need a "break-in" period. Avoid high heels, toe rings, and pointed toes. Be sure to wear shoes all the time and do not go barefoot. This reduces the risks of an injury to your foot, even when walking around in your home. Massage your feet daily to increase blood flow and to give yourself a little treat that feels good and relaxes you.

Taking care of yourself means taking care of every part of your body so don't forget the part that carries the load.