Diabetes limb amputations on the rise


Tuesday 29th December, 2009

A new study from the UK has revealed that more people than ever are having limbs amputated because of type-2 diabetes.

Between 1996 and 2005, more than 2,000 below-ankle amputations were performed and major amputations increased by 43 per cent.

The research team from Imperial College London did find that amputations in people with type-1 diabetes had dropped in the same period.

Researchers stated that diagnosis of type-2 diabetes has increased in the last ten years which may explain the findings. Over two million people in the UK now have the condition with obesity being cited as a major contributory factor.

Diabetes causes complications such as heart attacks and strokes as well as problems with the feet. Ulcers can develop which, if left untreated, can become infected and turn gangrenous leading to amputation.

Diabetes charities have highlighted the importance of regular foot checks by a podiatrist as well as strict glycaemic, blood pressure and cholesterol control.

Learn more about foot care for diabetes

Share


Share

Find a local practitioner
Search Therapist


Do not copy from this page - plagiarism will be detected by Copyscape. If you want to use our content click here for syndication criteria