Diabetes : more than 8,000 English amputees foot per year

bdibdus/epictura

Published the 28.09.2017 at 18h34

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pieddiabèteamputationRoyaume-Kingdom

The consequences of the obesity epidemic in the United Kingdom form a true waterfall. Diabetes, encouraged by the overweight, affects 4 million people in the country. And our neighbour from across the Channel is far to stop there. Each year, 8 500 amputations occur because of this metabolic disease. The association Diabetes UK is sounding the alarm.

The concern of the NGOS is justified. According to a survey it has conducted among 2 000 people, a third of Britons are unaware that the ulcer on the foot is a serious complication of diabetes. Yet, it is a major risk factor for amputation if it is not treated.

Ignorance disturbing

Diabetes is characterized not only by a loss of balance blood sugar. The nerves are also affected by the disease, and lose sensitivity. First victim : the foot. Not feeling the injury, the patients are not aware of if they are injured… while their skin is more vulnerable.

If an ulcer is so dangerous is because the blood flow that promotes healing is altered by the disease : the blood vessels are partly blocked. Hence, the importance of regularly reviewing its toes, looking for the slightest warning sign.

“He is happy to see that most of the people know that the amputation is a complication of diabetes, welcomes Dan Howarth, Director of care at Diabetes UK. But it is worrying to see that so few are aware of the dangers of foot ulcers. “