How to prevent amputations

Diabetes is an increasingly common long-term condition. One person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every three minutes in England, equating to about 700 people every day.¹ Additionally, 10 million people are estimated to be at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in England, placing them at increased risk of vascular complications of diabetes such as foot disease caused by neuropathy or ischaemia.² Prevention, early detection and referral to dedicated multidisciplinary diabetes foot care teams for rapid access to treatment can save lives and reduce unnecessary amputations.

Diabetes is an expensive disease to treat and manage, therefore education and prevention of avoidable complications are key, with person-centred care and information giving being at the centre of this approach.^3,4 Diabetes accounts for around 10% of the annual NHS budget, which equates to £10 billion a year, or £1 million every hour.⁵ Sadly, 80% of the NHS spending on diabetes is to treat preventable vascular and neuropathic complications, including foot ulceration.