Diabetes UK said 26,378 lower limb amputations were carried out in England from 2014 to 2017 — up from 22,092 in the previous three years.
Almost 3.7 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, around 90 per cent of them with type 2 diabetes.
People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing issues with their feet as high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and affect 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.
It wants increased NHS spending on preventative care on causes such as unhealed ulcers.
Dan Howarth, head of care at Diabetes UK, said: "The shocking number of lower limb amputations related to diabetes grows year on year.
"To reduce the number of amputations related to diabetes, we are calling on NHS England to maintain the Diabetes Transformation Fund beyond 2019.
"Many diabetes amputations are avoidable. An amputation, regardless of whether it's defined as minor or major, is devastating and life-changing."
Diabetes fruit fight
SNACKING on festive treats like figs and dates helps to prevent diabetes, a study suggests.
Diabetics are told to avoid fruit because of its high sugar content but dried apricots, raisins, sultanas and dates score lower on the glycaemic index than white bread.
The study even saw the sweet snacks reverse the body’s glycaemic response to white bread.
It could lead to manufacturers using dried fruit as an alternative to sugar in food, said the journal Nutrition and Diabetes.
- GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email [email protected]
Source: Read Full Article