Did you know that approximately 9,500 people diagnosed with diabetes undergo leg, foot or toe amputation each year?
Diabetes UK predict that by 2030 5.5 million people in the UK will be diagnosed with diabetes.
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
- Accounts for 8% of diabetes diagnoses
- 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 ten years in people with type one diabetes
Type two diabetes
- Accounts for 90% of diabetes diagnoses
- Obesity accounts for 80-85% of someone's risk of developing the condition
- It is estimated that more than 13.6 million people are at increased risk of type two diabetes
- It is estimated that 850,000 people are currently living with undiagnosed type two diabetes in the UK
- 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 five to ten years in people with type two 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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