Topic: Amputation

Dr. Jacobi explains why a podiatrist is uniquely qualified to discuss sugar, noting that the manifestations of high blood sugar often result in gangrene and amputations in the lower extremities. He describes his transition from a surgical focus to studying the biochemistry of what he calls a global pandemic. Currently, at least 350 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes and pre-diabetes.

The Salt River Indian Reservation in Arizona currently faces the highest amputation rate in the world, with 50% of adults requiring the procedure due to diabetes. Historically, these tribes were lean hunter-gatherers who subsisted on buffalo and meat. The transition to a government-provided diet of wheat, lard, and sugar on reservations led to a massive increase in obesity and metabolic disease.