Researchers at Imperial College London have found that the number of people in England having a limb amputated because of type 2 diabetes has risen dramatically. Between 1996 and 2005, below-ankle amputations doubled to more than 2,000, and major amputations increased by 43%.
Interestingly, the team found that the number of amputations in people with type-one diabetes has dropped. We at CMR believe this indicates a strong case for people with type 2 diabetes to be testing their blood sugars to control their diabetes more closely, as is recommended for type 1 diabetes.
Study leader Dr Eszter Vamos said "there is very strong evidence that with a multidisciplinary team approach you can prevent up to 80% of the amputations.
"It highlights the importance of frequent foot checks and that it is very important to get glycaemic control and blood pressure and cholesterol control."
Diabetes UK care manager Sara Spiers said there were about 100 diabetes-related amputations each week in the UK. She added more early diagnosis was needed, as the condition could go undetected for more than 10 years and most people already had complications when they were diagnosed.
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