Awareness concerns after diabetes-related amputations in Luton and Bedfordshire

A nationwide survey commissioned by Diabetes UK has found the majority of people are unaware that diabetes can cause amputations.
This is despite the fact that 59 such amputations were recorded in Luton in the last three years, with 154 diabetes-related amputations occurring in Bedfordshire.
Diabetes awareness
November of each year is Diabetes Awareness Month, with World Diabetes Day held annually on November 14.
However, Diabetes UK raised concerns that diabetes awareness is still unsatisfactory in certain areas following a nationwide survey of 1,986 people by Ipsos Mori.
Less than half of people (43 per cent) were aware that diabetes could cause complications such as amputation, with 47 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively, unaware that diabetes can cause blindness or early death.
Advertising campaign
Diabetes UK has launched the findings as they start a regional advertising campaign in Bedfordshire and Luto, with the aim to raise awareness of type 2 diabetes.
Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay up to 80 per cent of type 2 diabetes cases, but the charity is concerned people in Bedfordshire and Luton may not understand why.
“The stark fact is that in the last three years 213 diabetes related amputations have happened in Bedfordshire and Luton yet our new research shows that public understanding of its consequences is much too low,” Sharon Roberts Eastern Regional Manager of Diabetes UK, said.
“It is vital that we raise awareness in Bedfordshire and Luton of the potential consequences of Type 2 diabetes, in particular, so that people understand that if they are carrying extra weight then it is really important that they take steps to lose it”.