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Nearly one lakh Indians lose a limb every year due to diabetic foot complications; early vascular diagnosis can prevent most amputations
- Over 10 crore Indians have diabetes, increasing their risk of blocked arteries
- Nearly 1 lakh Indians lose a limb every year due to diabetic foot complications
- Most amputations can be prevented through timely vascular diagnosis and treatment
- A simple Doppler test can detect blocked arteries before irreversible damage occurs
- CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills to offer Free Vascular Health Check on August 6
Hyderabad, 5th August, 2026: Leg pain while walking is often dismissed as a normal part of ageing, muscle fatigue or joint problems. However, according to renowned vascular surgeon Dr. P. C. Gupta, it could be one of the earliest warning signs of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), a serious condition caused by narrowing or blockage of the arteries that reduces blood flow to the legs.
On the occasion of National Vascular Day, Dr. Gupta called for greater public awareness about vascular diseases, stressing that delayed diagnosis continues to be one of the biggest reasons patients suffer avoidable disability and limb-threatening complications.
Vascular diseases affect the arteries and veins that carry blood throughout the body and often develop silently. According to the Vascular Society of India, vascular diseases remain significantly under-recognised despite constituting a major health burden in the country. With India witnessing a rising prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and tobacco use, vascular disorders are becoming increasingly common across both urban and rural populations.
The burden of vascular disease in India is substantial and continues to grow. More than 10 crore Indians are living with diabetes, placing them at a significantly higher risk of developing blocked arteries, while an estimated 5 crore people suffer from Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affecting blood circulation in the legs. Nearly one lakh Indians lose a limb every year due to diabetic foot complications, although many of these amputations can be prevented through timely diagnosis and vascular treatment. One in four people with diabetes is likely to develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime, and blocked arteries in the legs also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Experts emphasise that a simple vascular examination and Doppler ultrasound can detect the disease early, helping save limbs and lives.
People living with diabetes, smokers, individuals with high blood pressure or high cholesterol and adults above 50 years are at a significantly higher risk of developing Peripheral Arterial Disease and other vascular disorders. Yet many patients ignore early symptoms until blood circulation has been severely affected.
Dr. P. C. Gupta, Clinical Director & HOD – Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, Vascular IR & Podiatric Surgery, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, said, “One of the biggest misconceptions is that leg pain while walking is simply due to ageing. In reality, it may be an early sign of blocked arteries and poor blood circulation. Similarly, persistent swelling in the legs, numbness, cold feet or wounds that do not heal should never be ignored. These symptoms require timely evaluation by a vascular specialist.”
He added, “In our clinical practice, we are seeing an increasing number of patients presenting with advanced Peripheral Arterial Disease and diabetic foot complications. Many of these patients could have avoided major surgery or limb-threatening complications if the disease had been diagnosed earlier. No one should lose a limb because they ignored symptoms or delayed seeking medical care. Early diagnosis remains the most effective way to preserve mobility, improve treatment outcomes and enhance quality of life.”
Dr. Gupta said that one of the biggest challenges in India is that vascular disease is frequently mistaken for orthopaedic, neurological or age-related problems, resulting in delayed referral to vascular specialists. As awareness improves among both the public and healthcare providers, more patients can receive timely diagnosis and advanced treatment before irreversible damage occurs.
A Doppler ultrasound, a simple, painless and non-invasive investigation, plays a crucial role in evaluating blood flow through the arteries and veins. It helps detect narrowing or blockages at an early stage, enabling doctors to initiate treatment before serious complications develop.
People should seek medical evaluation if they experience leg pain or cramps while walking, persistent swelling in the legs, varicose veins, coldness or numbness in the feet, changes in the colour of the legs or feet, or foot ulcers and wounds that do not heal. These symptoms should never be ignored, particularly by people living with diabetes or those with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
On the occasion of National Vascular Day, Dr. Gupta urged people to view vascular health as an integral part of overall health rather than waiting until symptoms become severe.
“Just as people undergo regular screening for diabetes, blood pressure and heart disease, vascular health also deserves timely attention. Recognising the warning signs early and seeking expert care can prevent avoidable disability, reduce the need for major surgery and, most importantly, save limbs and lives,” he said.
As part of its National Vascular Day initiative, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, is conducting a Free Vascular Health Check, including a Doppler test and consultation with Dr. P. C. Gupta, on August 6, 2026, to encourage early screening among people at risk.
