Amputation crisis for men in San Antonio

How an Epidemic of Diabetes-Related Amputations is Impacting Texas Communities

Diabetes has become a pressing public health crisis across Texas, but nowhere are its impacts more acutely felt than in Bexar County. Here, diabetes has led to an alarming number of amputations, with thousands of men facing life-changing surgeries that rob them of mobility, independence, and, often, quality of life. An estimated 2,000 amputations are performed each year in Texas due to diabetes, with nearly seven in ten occurring right in this county.

These figures are not merely numbers; they represent the lives of fathers, brothers, and sons, many of whom are part of San Antonio’s large Latino community, which has been disproportionately affected by diabetes. Across Texas, Latino men are nearly three times more likely to lose a limb due to diabetes complications than their female counterparts. The impact on the community is profound, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond individual households, impacting the social and economic fabric of the region.

Bexar County reports some of the highest rates of diabetes in Texas, with more than a tenth of the population diagnosed with the disease. Nationally, Type 2 diabetes, a largely preventable form, accounts for nearly 95% of all cases, and lifestyle and dietary changes are often effective in reducing risk. However, despite increased awareness campaigns and medical advances, diabetes rates continue to climb, particularly within Latino communities. The disparity in amputation rates between men and women is stark. In San Antonio, men are almost three times more likely to lose a limb than women. For many men, particularly within the Latino community, seeking medical help for chronic conditions can carry a stigma. Cultural norms that value strength and self-reliance can lead men to downplay symptoms or delay seeking help, even as their health deteriorates.

Diabetes often progresses silently, especially when unmanaged, and can lead to complications like peripheral artery disease (PAD) and nerve damage. These conditions reduce blood flow to the extremities, leading to infections and, ultimately, amputations. Many men may not realize the severity of their symptoms until it’s too late, and by the time they seek medical intervention, amputation may be the only viable option.

Source: City Of San Antonio

For more information on diabetes prevention and control, click here