3,739 diabetes-related lower limb amputations in last three years in the North West

New analysis from Diabetes UK has shown that there were 3,739 diabetes-related lower limb amputations from 2014 to 2017 in the North West, an increase of 20 per cent from 2010-2013.

There has been a significant rise in minor lower limb amputations (30 per cent), defined as below the ankle, and a more gradual increase in the number of major lower limb amputations (1 per cent), defined as below the knee.

People with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing problems in their feet because high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, affecting how blood flows to the feet and legs. Unhealed ulcers and foot infections are the leading cause of diabetes related amputations, with diabetic foot ulcers preceding more than 80 per cent of amputations.

Roy Fisher, 72, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1987.12 years ago he lost two toes on his right foot as a result of diabetes and says it’s vital that people with diabetes are aware of the importance of looking after your feet.

“It started out with a mark on my big toe, which then went black and resulted in the toe being amputated. 12 months later, I noticed a black spot on the nail of my little toe which rapidly turned into an ulcer. It got infected and the infection spread right up my leg. The doctors were able to save my leg, but I lost two toes and it’s significantly affected my mobility.

“Since then, I know much more about what to look out for and regularly check my feet. I also attend regular foot checks and if I notice any issues, I go straight to my local podiatry clinic.

“It’s vitally important that people are aware of the risks to their feet, are supported to manage their diabetes effectively and have their feet checked regularly, so they can avoid complications.”

Diabetes is the most common cause of lower limb amputations in the UK. Someone living with diabetes is 20 times more likely to experience an amputation than someone without the condition.

Foot ulcers and amputations are also hugely costly for the NHS, with at least £1 in every £140 of NHS spending going towards foot care for people with diabetes. Foot problems can be devastating to a person’s quality of life and are often life-threatening.

Since 2017, NHS England’s Diabetes Transformation Fund has invested more than £80 million across England to improve access to specialist footcare teams to help people with diabetes look after their feet and avoid amputations. The fund has also been used to increase uptake of structured education for people with diabetes, to help them manage their condition well and understand the actions they must take to avoid complications, which can lead to amputation.

Diabetes UK is calling on NHS England to commit to maintaining the Diabetes Transformation Fund beyond 2019.

Clare Howarth, Head of the North of England at Diabetes UK, said: “The shocking number of diabetes-related lower limb amputations grows year on year. An amputation, regardless of whether it’s defined as minor or major, is devastating and life-changing. A minor amputation can still involve losing a whole foot.

“To reduce the number of diabetes-related amputations, we are calling on NHS England to maintain the Diabetes Transformation Fund beyond 2019. Many diabetes amputations are avoidable, but the quality of footcare for people living with diabetes varies significantly across England. Transformation funding since 2017 is working and will help to reduce these variations, but much work still needs to be done.”

It is vital that all people living with diabetes know how to look after their feet, and check them regularly to look out for the signs of foot problems. It is also crucial that people with diabetes know how important it is to seek medical attention if they spot any signs of foot problems. A matter of hours can make the difference between losing a foot, and keeping a foot.

For more information on footcare for people with diabetes, please visit:

• www.diabetes.org.uk/be-in-the-know-check-your-feet