My friend has a diabetic leg and his doctor says without amputation he can only live 4 months. Can this be true?

Getting a second opinion is a good idea, but, I'd move very quickly. I'd also put an Endocrinologist on the list to see ASAP, because, if there is continued high blood sugar, the risk of healing and damage to other limbs and organs will continue.

JDstraw,  I hear you say you are scared to death.  I also see that you are here on this wonderful site, that shows you have great interest in taking care of yourself!!  "YAY" for you!!!    Educate yourself on diabetes, keep asking questions, make sure you have a doctor that knows all about diabetes. It can be done!  My dad took no interest in his diabetic healthcare and he is now paying for it.  If you dig deep and learn how to eat right, take your meds right, exercise even a bit and think positive, you will be ok. Lotta people here have helped me tremendously!!! Hugs!!

I have a nephew who has had to have one of his legs removed due to diabetes.
Your friend should not waste time but move forward to save his life. He can be fitted with a prosthesis in a short while. My nephew actually is doing much better than he was before he had the amputation. Encourage him to either get the operation or get a second opinion ASAP.

Please listen to Angelkw and Churchmouse as they are correct in what they advised.

The building in which I live, senior citizen independent living, has at least two residents (that I personally know of) who've had multiple amputations, in fact one lady has had both her legs removed, amputated from just below the knees, and one gentleman has one leg amputated just below the knee and on the opposite side he's had his toes amputated.

Diabetes is an awful and scary disease. It is not only awful in and of itself but awful in that it can cause so many other health problems, amputations for example, and then, especially with our internal organs (heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, etc.). I was just diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last month and I am scared almost to DEATH!

I would definitely seek a second opinion...because its important to seek a second opinion on ANY serious illness or potential surgery.

But yes definitely if a diabetic has lost circulation to the leg and it is in effect dying, becoming gangrenous and turning black, this is a very serious situation. It will lead to sepsis and death in a very very short time period...and it isn't an easy quiet death. It's extremely painful and horrifying. If the diabetes has not been controlled, this is definitely a consequence. Please don't just ignore this issue.

Angel

It could be true, yes. If the blood supply to your friend's extremities is compromised then eventually gangrene would set in and kill him quite rapidly. All patients are free to seek second - indeed, third fourth and fifth - opinions if they are not satisfied with their doctors' diagnosis and proposed treatment. But he needs to be aware that he may well not get different or more attractive answers.