eli5 Why do diabetics sometimes have to have limbs, particularly their legs, amputated?

Question

eli5 Why do diabetics sometimes have to have limbs, particularly their legs, amputated?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Poorly controlled diabetes often causes nerve damage and impaired blood circulation in the extremities- both side effects of excess sugar in the blood.

Combined, they mean that minor wounds on the limbs can go undetected, and with reduced blood flow there is no chance to fight infection in the wound. Amputation is often the only course of action.