Diabetes causes 135 amputations a week, leading charity reports

New figures show that diabetes causes over 135 amputations a week in the UK, resulting in pressure on the government to provide better care for diabetes patients.
Diabetes UK, a leading diabetes charity, calculated these figures from new Public Health England data. 7,000 people suffer diabetes-related amputations in England annually compared to the previous number of 6,677.
80 per cent of these amputations can be avoided by providing the necessary care to diabetes patients, according to Diabetes UK.
The government and the NHS have come under pressure to ensure that people with diabetes receive their annual foot checks. Earlier this year, it was reported that more than 400,000 diabetes patients in England do not receive this vital foot check.
Diabetes UK chief executive Barbara Young said: “Not enough people are receiving their annual foot check and those who do often tell us their check was not very thorough. This means they don’t understand their risk of amputation, how to look after their feet or the urgency of getting help if their foot deteriorates.”
Knowing how to care for your feet can help you spot any signs of damage at its earliest stage. Treatment can then begin before a more serious risk to your health develops.
Amputations can be caused by foot ulcers, circulation problems or diabetic neuropathy. Maintaining good control of blood glucose levels is imperative in avoiding diabetic neuropathy, and caring for your feet every day is essential.