Most diabetes amputations 'preventable'

An estimated 80% of lower limb amputations in people with diabetes are preventable, a charity has revealed.

In Northern Ireland, there were 199 diabetes-related amputations last year.

A campaign has been launched aimed at putting a stop to preventable amputations.

'Putting Feet First' by Diabetes UK Northern Ireland wants to reduce diabetes-related amputations by 50% within five years.

Diabetes is a serious condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high.

People with Type 1 diabetes do not produce any insulin which is needed in order to control the levels of glucose in the blood. Those with Type 2 diabetes produce an insufficient amount of insulin - or can be insulin resistant.

If blood glucose levels are not maintained at normal levels, it can lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke and amputation.

There are currently 73,500 people diagnosed with diabetes in the region.

Iain Foster, the charity's National Director, said: "A single preventable amputation is one too many so the fact that hundreds of people in Northern Ireland have endured unnecessary foot amputations is nothing short of shameful."

Amputations have a devastating effect on quality of life and so every amputation that results from poor healthcare is a tragedy.

Iain Foster
He explained that diabetic foot problems arise from reduced circulation and damaged nerve endings.

He said a big part of bringing this to an end is giving people with diabetes information about how to look after their feet.

The charity wants everyone with diabetes to get a thorough annual foot check and for a specialist diabetes foot care teams for foot ulcers to deal with referrals within 24 hours.

"Many people with diabetes aren't even aware that amputation is a potential complication. We also need to make sure that people with diabetes understand what healthcare they should be getting."

Mr Foster said there are opportunities within the current healthcare system for problems to be detected early - and treatment obtained - before complications set in.

The campaign will include working with healthcare professionals in GP practices and areas, such as A&E departments, to increase awareness of the signs of early complications and the need for a quick referral to specialist staff.

He added: "Quality of care makes a big difference to amputation rates. Foot ulcers can deteriorate in a matter of hours so failing to refer someone quickly enough can literally be the difference between losing a foot and keeping it."

"It is a scandal that needs to be brought to an end."