Diabetes Turns Woman’s Legs to Dead Tissue as Doctors Prepare for Possible Amputation, Sparking Fresh Health Warning

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A shocking medical case has drawn public attention after the legs of a woman were severely destroyed by gangrene, a condition caused by poor blood flow, leaving the tissues dead, dry, and shrunken while she is still alive.

Contrary to what some people first thought, the image circulating online does not show rotten yam or wood, but the actual legs of a living woman whose condition has deteriorated badly due to a long-standing diabetic illness.

Medical sources explained that gangrene occurs when blood no longer flows properly to parts of the body, especially the legs and feet. Without blood and oxygen, the tissue dies, dries up, and begins to decay. In this woman’s case, the damage is already advanced.

Despite being alive, she is said to be experiencing severe pain and sleepless nights, a situation health workers describe as unbearable. Doctors say even a small boil can cause discomfort, not to talk of legs that have slowly died on a person’s body.

According to reports, the major cause of her condition is chronic diabetes, worsened by poor adherence to medication and lack of proper dietary control. Like many patients, she reportedly became careless because diabetes does not cause pain in its early stages. By the time symptoms became obvious, the damage had already gone too far.

Medical experts revealed that even ₦1.5 million may not be enough to cover the cost of surgery and full treatment. She is currently being prepared for a below-the-knee amputation, but doctors have warned that if the muscles around the knee are also found to be dead during surgery, an above-the-knee amputation may become necessary.

Health professionals are using this case to warn Nigerians, especially those with diabetes and high blood pressure, to take their health seriously. They are advising families to help elderly parents and relatives buy and take their medications regularly, instead of abandoning treatment once symptoms reduce.

Doctors also stressed the importance of regular blood sugar and blood pressure checks, noting that such tests cost as little as ₦1,500, which is far cheaper than the cost of treating advanced complications.

They warn that diabetes and hypertension are often called “silent killers” because they may not cause pain at first, but can later lead to amputation, stroke, kidney failure, or death if ignored.

Health experts say early care, discipline with medication, proper diet, and regular medical checks can prevent many tragedies like this.

The woman’s condition has sparked renewed calls for public health awareness, as many people continue to underestimate chronic illnesses until it is too late.