does diabetes affect bones?

[helsi]

my mum is in hospital whre it seems that the bones in the tops of her feet have collapsed and gone soft (similar to those crucnchy bones in tinned salmon). Her foot has been inflamed for 2 weeks and the doctor just gave her strong antibiotics for an infection and when it got no better he sent her for an x-ray as she suffers with diabetes and he wanted to check everything out. they have now found this condition which is very rare and the consultants were going to discuss her situation today as they don't know how to treat it. mum is terrified that they will have to amputate her foot.
Does anyone know how bad diabetes can affect bones etc?

[zippitippitoes]

I'm sorry to here your mother is ill. My mother suffered from brittle diabetes and had many complications so I can appreciate how worried you (and she) are.

I haven't heard of this particularly but low bone density and a propensity to fracures on lower limbs and hips is not unusual for diabetics. Feet can have real problems because of poor circulation which affects the nerve endings and so diabetics lose sensitivity and don't always realise that the y have an injury or infection.

Gangrene is sometimes a comlication for diabetics and can lead to amputation, I don't know how often it happens though.

How old is your mum and how long has she been diabetic?

I hope your mum's diabetes can come back under control soon and she recovers from this soon.

xx

[helsi]

thanks. Mum is nearly 60 and was diagnosed about 3 years ago although they think she has had it for a long time since her pregnancies with me and my brother so almost 30 years! I actually think that she was informed years ago but due to loving chocolate and sweets etc she didn't heed the warnings. She has been on insulin for about 6 months but finds it hard to control. her blood readings always seem high even though she does watch what she eats more now. It has also affected her eyesight - this has repidly deteriorated over the last couple of years.

[spidermama]

Sorry to hear this Helsi. What a worry for you.

My ds was dx-ed with type 1 just before christmas and I've been reading bits and pieces about the possible long term damage.

I'm assuming your mum is type two because you can't go undiagnosed for long with type 1.

I've found \link{http://www.diabetes.org.uk/home.htm\this} to be a useful site.

I hope she's OK.

[zippitippitoes]

if she did have diabetes for a long period without control then there are many compications which can develop. Have you tried the daibetic organisations for up to date information?

A low gi diet is a healthy one for diabetics as it evens out sugar highs and lows.

[helsi]

thanks for advice. Have just been told she is coming home. She has a huge pot on and will need to walk with a walking frame and use a wheelchair for 3 months. At least they are trying this option for her before any operation.