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Diabetes amputations reach record high

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Diabetes amputations reach record high

Diabetes UK is calling on the Government to help improve diabetes footcare, as diabetes-related amputations in England reach an all-time record high of 135 per week.

diabetes shoesThe figures, calculated using new Public Health England data, show that more than 7,000 amputations occur due to diabetes complications in England every year, compared to the previous figure of 6,677, equating to seven more amputations each week.

Due to the sharp increase in diabetes diagnoses over the last 20 years, the figure is expected to rise even higher.

Yet, according to Diabetes UK, up to 80 per cent of diabetes-related amputations could be prevented with good diabetes management and regular footcare. The charity is campaigning to ensure that everyone with diabetes receives a good quality annual foot check, as well as urgent care in the event of a foot infection.

To highlight the human tragedy behind the statistics, Diabetes UK is today (Wednesday 15 July) displaying 135 shoes outside the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster, to represent the number of diabetes-related amputations a week. They have been donated from people who have had an amputation, supporters and celebrities and each has a personal message attached to it.

Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “The fact that the total number of amputations is continuing to rise is a huge concern because we know the devastating impact they have on people’s lives. As well as the psychological impact, they also cost lives as most people die within five years of having one."

There is some good news, however, as the major amputation rate (classed as amputations above the ankle) has decreased slightly since the charity launched the 'Putting Feet First' campaign in 2012.

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