Diabetes-related amputations down as cases rising

Awareness-raising is helping to reduce amputations for diabetics despite rises in the number of people with the disease, health bosses say.

The number of diabetics in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has risen by more than 10,000 in the last 10 years.

However, according to the NHS, despite the number of cases rising from 26,154 in 2016 to 37,589 today, amputations fell from 134 to 104 per year during the same time period.

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly NHS said people could to take simple steps to prevent later serious complications, and they had released a film to raise awareness of the new Happy Feet campaign to further encourage diabetics to speak to a medical professional quickly.

The NHS said diabetics were more prone to amputations in their lower legs and feet due to diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) or poor circulation.

Neil Smith, the podiatry professional lead with the NHS in Cornwall, carries out the examinations on feet and also appears in the film Happy Feet: Small Steps Make a Big Difference.

He said: "Having an amputation is very difficult for patients. Obviously it affects mobility, but also has an impact on mental health and extended families as well.

"It's all about staying on top of problems, identifying even the smallest cut or abrasion.

"We also encourage good maintenance of the feet and nails, just drying the feet well and keeping the nails neat and tidy.

"It's mainly about encouragement, but sometimes I do have to bring out the nag monster. Different things work for different patients."

Type 2 diabetic Paul Sweet, from Lostwithiel, was left with just the big toe on his right foot after developing complications.

He said he was helping promote the message people should raise problems quickly rather than "stew on it".

He said: "I went to a festival and I kept thinking I had a stone in my shoe, but, when I returned, it turned out to be a blood blister.

"Just a few months later I was left with just one big toe on my right foot.

"When I first took the bandage off [after the amputation] it was very difficult and, afterwards, there were some very dark days, so I just want to get the message out there.

"I have nicknamed my remaining big toe Bertie and I am very keen to keep hold of him because I can still walk pretty well with one big toe.

"I have close friends in the diabetic community who've had limbs removed below the knee and, bless their hearts, having an amputation is traumatic, so I'm just doing what I can to get the word out there.

"If there's a problem, get in touch and get it sorted. Don't stew on it."

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