It’s a crisis we can stop.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and we want to educate people about the crisis this illness is causing in San Antonio and South Texas. We hold a title that is alarming and growing worse: the “diabetic foot capital of the world.”. Tragically, we lead all the countries in the world in foot amputations due to complications of diabetes. But here’s some good news: most of these devastating outcomes are preventable with early intervention and proper treatment.
A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight
In the U.S., more than 38 million people have diabetes, and nearly 98 million adults are pre-diabetic. In Bexar County, 18% of the population is diabetic, compared to the national average of 7%. In San Antonio, that means 220,000 plus people are affected. Statistics and numbers related to amputations as a result of diabetic-related illnesses are staggering:
- Bexar County’s diabetic amputation rate is three times the national average. That means approximately 1,500 of our neighbors lose limbs every year to diabetes complications.
- Every three minutes and 30 seconds in the U.S., a limb is amputated due to diabetes.
- People with diabetes are also more likely to develop atherosclerosis, which is the leading cause of peripheral artery disease (PAD)–a serious circulation issue that can lead to chronic pain, ulcers, and amputation if not treated early.
This is why Medical Vein Clinic is dedicated to helping patients detect circulation problems before they become life-threatening. Through advanced, non-surgical diagnostic testing and minimally invasive treatments, we help restore healthy blood flow, which prevents wounds, infections, and unnecessary amputations.
How Diabetes Damages Circulation
Diabetes affects much more than blood sugar; it impacts your entire vascular system. Over time, high blood sugar levels damage the lining of your blood vessels, making them less flexible and more prone to narrowing or blockages.
- Circulation damage: High blood sugar injures the blood vessel walls, reduces oxygen flow to the legs, and slows healing. That’s why small wounds can become big problems.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Diabetics are two to four times more likely to develop PAD, which leads to a higher risk of ulcers, amputation, heart attack, and stroke.
- Nerve damage (Neuropathy): Diabetes also injures the nerves that signal pain. That means patients may not feel wounds or ulcers developing on their feet, so infections worsen without warning.
- Poor healing and infection: With poor circulation and reduced sensation, a minor blister or cut can turn into a chronic wound or severe infection, leading to tissue death (gangrene) and, in severe cases, amputation.
When circulation declines, it’s not just about the legs– it affects your mobility, independence, and long-term health.
Warning Signs for Diabetics
If you have diabetes and you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please see a doctor:
- Leg pain when you walk
- Numbness or tingling in your feet or legs
- Sores that won’t heal or skin discoloration
- Any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling
- Your skin color or temperature feels different
- Visible veins or swelling in your legs
These could be early warning signs of PAD (peripheral artery disease) or venous insufficiency. The good news is that both PAD and VI are treatable when detected early.
Effectiveness of Vascular Screening
Studies show that vascular screening programs can greatly reduce major amputations and lead to faster wound healing. The screening tools are straightforward: ABI testing, foot exams, and vascular assessment are routine and affordable. But the problem is screening isn’t happening. Despite the effectiveness, there’s a massive gap in implementation: In a study of more than 52,000 patients with diabetes and PAD who were at high risk for amputation, less than 5% received all three screening tools.
Dr. John Hogg, Founder and CEO of Medical Vein Clinic, reminds patients that circulation is the foundation of good health.
“Diabetes doesn’t just impact blood sugar; it silently damages the vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients throughout your body,” he explains. “When circulation slows, the legs often show the first signs: pain, numbness, discoloration, or wounds that won’t heal. Recognizing those signs early can prevent serious complications.”
Dr. Thomas Gianis, our board-certified Vascular Surgeon, has clear advice.
“All diabetic patients should get yearly arterial screenings along with vein evaluations. Diabetes affects your entire circulatory system, not just one part of it.”
Protecting your circulation protects your life. Early detection and proper vascular care can prevent ulcers, infections, and even amputations. Schedule your vascular screening, share educational posts, and talk to loved ones about circulation health and diabetes.
Every small step you take today helps prevent an amputation tomorrow. Comprehensive vascular screening and advanced wound care can prevent most diabetic amputations when we catch problems early. What we need is better awareness of the warning signs followed by prompt action.
Action Steps
This National Diabetes Awareness Month, here’s your action plan:
- Schedule your complete vein evaluation
- Get yearly arterial screenings along with vein checks
- Check your feet and legs every day
San Antonio doesn’t have to be the “diabetic foot capital of the world.” Together, we can rewrite that story.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Contact Medical Vein Clinic for your complete vein evaluation and start protecting your health today. Call 210-622-8000 or email us at info@medicalveinclinic.com.
Healthy Legs Take You Further™.