Call Made To Reduce Diabetes Amputations

A new campaign hopes to reduce diabetes related amputations in Northern Ireland by 50% in the next five years it has been revealed.

The Putting Feet First campaign, launched today, urges diabetes suffers to get their feet checked regularly by health professionals.

According to organisers of the campaign foot problems arise from reduced circulation to the feet and damaged nerve endings in the feet so the campaign aims to educate people on how to look after their feet to prevent amputation.

This campaign has emerged as Diabetes UK Northern Ireland reveal that around 80% of diabetes related amputations are preventable.

The organisation also revealed that between March 2010 and April 2011 199 people had lower limb diabetes related amputations in Northern Ireland.

Simon O’Neill, Director of Care, Policy and Intelligence at Diabetes UK, said, "Whether someone has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, it is important that if they are overweight then they know they are at an increased risk of devastating complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease or amputation. They also need to be aware of how to reduce the risk of these complications occurring.”

Meanwhile Iain Foster from Diabetes UK NI said: "Many people with diabetes aren't even aware that amputation is a potential complication.

"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."

In a bid to raise awareness of potential diabetes related amputation and to try and reduce the amount of amputations in Northern Ireland the campaign is getting set to work alongside GP practices and A&E departments to increase awareness of the signs of early complications and the need for a quick and timely referral to specialist staff.

(LB)