Vol. 5, Issue 4, Part E (2021)

Author(s): Dr. Nikitha Crasta, Dr. Chirag Periera and Dr. Prathvi Shetty

Abstract: Lower extremity amputation (LEA) in patients with diabetes are associated with high postoperative mortality and a high rate of secondary amputation. Glycated Hemoglobin reflects average plasma glucose over the previous 8 to 12 weeks and is an excellent marker for disease control in diabetes. However, a direct link between the level of quality of diabetic care—as measured by hemoglobin A1c—and amputation risk has yet to be documented. In this retrospective time bound study study, we sought to examine the relationship between the use of hemoglobin A1c testing and amputation risk using a hospital database. Diabetic patients registered at our centre who have underwent lower extremity amputation, their HbA1c levels were collected from the Medical records department between 2016-19. A total of 150 patients were included in the study, majority of the cases showed elevated levels of glycated hemoglobin while only 1.3% had normal values. There was a significant association between patients undergoing LEA and their glycated hemoglobin levels (p<0.047). LEA is associated with elevated levels of glycated hemoglobin and this makes it crucial to have regular follow up and close monitoring of patients to ensure high quality diabetic care.