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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Discoloration Of Legs In A Diabetic Patient?

Legs and ankles have turned black, feet black and hard, blackness traveling up to the knee in left leg...right leg same, but not as far up...ankle left, and foot has gotten hard, what is going on...a vascular doc and ultra sound indicated that no blocked veins...diabetes 6.2...borderline...what s going on? The blackness has almost gotten up to the knee.
posted on Wed, 10 Feb 2016
Twitter Fri, 15 Apr 2016 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 15 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
Discolouration of the legs what you have described in a diabetic patient is indicative of 'dry gangrene'.
The blood vessels need not be blocked always for the appearance of symptoms of gangrene in diabetes. It could happen when blood flow to the affected area is impaired, usually as a result of poor circulation. Infection is typically not present in dry gangrene.
Since this is a medical emergency, it needs to be attended and managed under hospital settings. Kindly seek medical attention immediately without any further delay.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
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What Causes Discoloration Of Legs In A Diabetic Patient?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. Discolouration of the legs what you have described in a diabetic patient is indicative of dry gangrene . The blood vessels need not be blocked always for the appearance of symptoms of gangrene in diabetes. It could happen when blood flow to the affected area is impaired, usually as a result of poor circulation. Infection is typically not present in dry gangrene. Since this is a medical emergency, it needs to be attended and managed under hospital settings. Kindly seek medical attention immediately without any further delay. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.