Did you know that approximately 7,000 people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes undergo leg, foot or toe amputation each year?
What is diabetes?
It is a condition where the normal blood glucose control is lost leading to high glucose levels in the blood stream.
Type one diabetes
- Approximately 250,000 people in the UK are diagnosed
- 90% diagnosed are under the age of 30 but can occur at any age
- Treatment is insulin
- 15% lifetime risk of undergoing an amputation
- Life expectancy is reduced on average by 10 years in people with type 1 diabetes
Type two diabetes
- Approximately 3.25 million people in the UK are diagnosed
- 90% of those diagnosed are either classed to be overweight or obese
- Most diagnosed are over the age of 40 but there is an increase seen in younger people and children
- Often managed by diet control and medication
- Life expectancy is reduced on average by 5-10 years in people with type 2 diabetes
Factors that can lead to an amputation:
- Circulation problems
- Foot ulcers
- Other damage to the foot
- Bone deformity that can lead to serious damage and disability
- Nerve disorder
If you are facing an amputation or know someone then contact Limbless Association (enquiries@limbless-association.org) who will be able to provide you with the support you require.
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