Foot ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes
More than a third of people in the UK are not aware that foot ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes
The survey of 2,055 adults, conducted for Diabetes UK by YouGov, found that while 79% of people know that an amputation is a major complication of diabetes, 36% did not know that foot ulcers were also a complication, which, when unhealed, are responsible for as many as four-in-five diabetes-related amputations.
The findings were revealed as Diabetes UK launch its latest Putting Feet First campaign, through which the charity is calling for urgent improvements to community diabetes foot services.
Foot problems, such as infections or ulcers, can deteriorate quickly and with devastating consequences, so Diabetes UK wants to see people with diabetes receiving routine access to podiatrists and foot protection teams, who can assess problems early and treat them.
An amputation can be devastating to a person’s quality of life, and can even be life threatening – with up to 80 per cent of people with diabetes dying within five years following surgery.
Linda McGlynn, regional engagement manager, said: "Diabetes-related amputations can devastate lives. But, with the right support, four out of five amputations can be preventable. That's why it's essential that people living with diabetes in Scotland know how to look after their feet, and that they check them daily.
"It's also crucial that people know to seek urgent medical attention if they notice any problems with their feet, a matter of hours can make the difference between losing and keeping a limb."
According to the Scottish Diabetes Survey 2016, 59.1% of people with Type one diabetes and 73.2% of people with Type two diabetes have had their feet properly checked within the previous 15 months.
Foot problems, such as infections or ulcers, can deteriorate quickly and have devastating consequences for those with the conditions.
More than 2000 people in Scotland are living with a diabetes-related major lower limb amputation, with many more having experienced losing another smaller body part such as a toe.
