Diabetes may lead to poor circulation and reduced feeling in the feet and legs. People with diabetes are more likely to be admitted to hospital with a foot ulcer than any other complication of diabetes. It is estimated that around 2,000 people with diabetes in Wales have foot ulcers at any given time with around 330 amputations carried out each year.
Up to 80% of diabetes-related amputations are preventable. To reduce the number of people with diabetes having amputations three important things needs to happen:
- People with diabetes should be more involved in their own care. They should know how to look after their feet, what risk they have of developing a complication, and what care they should get from the health service.
- Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the risk of diabetic foot disease and ensure all people with diabetes receive their annual checks
- Health Boards need to provide the right treatment at the right time in the right place.
How you can help:
- Ask GPs in your area to stock our range of materials in their surgeries. We can provide you with the materials or send them directly to your surgery. Remember to check back at a later date to make sure that they have displayed them.
- Do you know other people living with diabetes in Wales? Give them a copy of our leaflets to help them look after their feet. Email wales@diabetes.org.uk or call 029 2066 8276.
