For many living with diabetes, the threat of losing a leg feels all too real. One major reason is peripheral arterial disease (PAD), where arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked. Poor circulation makes wounds slow to heal, leading to infection, gangrene, and in severe cases, amputation.
For many living with diabetes, the threat of losing a leg feels all too real. One major reason is peripheral arterial disease (PAD), where arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked. Poor circulation makes wounds slow to heal, leading to infection, gangrene, and in severe cases, amputation.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Edward Choke, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Northern Heart Hospital Penang, explains: “Thousands of Malaysians lose their legs every year to PAD and diabetes. Many of these amputations could be prevented with early detection and treatment.”
The Hidden Danger of PAD
PAD doesn’t always announce itself. Some people notice cramps while walking; others dismiss numb or cold feet as signs of ageing. But these are red flags. When blood cannot flow properly, even a blister from a new pair of shoes may refuse to heal the first step towards losing a foot.
Your Role in Protecting Your Feet
Doctors can do a lot, but patients play a vital role too. Here are Dr. Choke’s advices for anyone living with diabetes:
- Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, or colour changes.
- Wear proper shoes to prevent injury.
- Don’t ignore pain or wounds. Seek help quickly.
- Go for vascular screening, especially if you smoke or have high blood pressure or cholesterol.
“Even in advanced stages, there is still a chance to save the leg. Do see me before undergoing amputation,” Dr. Choke highlighted.
From Amputation Risk to Limb Salvage
Northern Heart Hospital Penang is among the few centres in the region offering advanced limb salvage procedures, and uniquely, it is the only hospital with a dedicated multidisciplinary Diabetic Limb Salvage Centre.
Led by Dr. Edward Choke, the team uses advanced techniques such as minimally invasive angioplasty and stenting to restore blood circulation to the legs, while complex cases may require bypass surgery to reroute blood flow. The centre also provides state-of-the-art wound management alongside specialist assessments to optimise comorbidities such as diabetes control, kidney care, and heart health. With a limb salvage success rate of over 90%, patients benefit from a comprehensive programme that addresses both circulation and underlying conditions.
“Limb salvage is not just about keeping a foot,” Dr. Choke emphasises. “It’s about preserving mobility, independence, and dignity.” Research also shows that patients who undergo major amputation face a much higher risk of death within five years compared to those whose limbs are saved.
Expert Care, Close to Home
At Northern Heart Hospital Penang, Dr. Edward Choke leads a dedicated team providing comprehensive care for PAD, diabetic foot complications, and other vascular diseases. From early diagnosis to advanced limb salvage surgery, patients receive world-class treatment close to home.
“Too often, people only come when the disease is very advanced,” Dr. Choke notes. “If you have diabetes, don’t wait until it’s too late. Screening and timely treatment can make the difference between saving a foot, or losing it.”
If you or someone you love is living with diabetes, don’t leave foot health to chance. A wound on the leg should never be ignored. See Dr. Choke as soon as possible. For more information on PAD screening and limb salvage options, contact Northern Heart Hospital Penang at +604 217 5588 or visit nhearthospital.com.