Increase in amputations reported by hospitals due to increase in diabetes

As the number of people with type-2 diabetes in England continues to rise, more patients than ever are having to undergo amputations due to complications with the disease.

In the years between 2015 and 2018, over 27,000 lower leg, foot and toe amputations were carried out by the NHS, which is 3,000 more than in the three years prior and is down to cases of type-2 diabetes soaring.

Since the mid 90s, the number of patients suffering from the disease has doubled, placing hundreds of thousands at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

The condition leads to increased levels of sugar in the blood, which can go on to damage nerves, and reduced circulation, which cuts off oxygen supply, potentially damaging tissue. Both of these complications slow down the healing of wounds and lead to an infection or injury so severe that the only solution is amputation.

Diabetes UK policy manager Nikki Joule, said “The number of people with diabetes experiencing a lower limb amputation continues to rise as the number of people living with the condition grows.

“It’s vital that action is taken to prevent as many people from developing type 2 diabetes as possible so fewer people are at risk of a devastating and often avoidable, amputation.”

Public Health England’s diabetes expert Dr Jennifer Smith, said “It’s a tragedy that so many people are unnecessarily having to face the life-changing consequences of diabetes, such as amputations.

“Survival rates and quality of life for people following such major surgery can often be poor. This shouldn’t be happening when the condition is preventable.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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