White men living in poorer areas are the group with the highest risk of diabetes-related amputation, according to new research presented at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2013.
The study, carried out by researchers across the UK, looked at data from 1.8 million people with diabetes in the National Diabetes Audit and found that being male, living in poorer areas, and being white were all associated with a higher risk of lower limb amputation.
Awareness of foot problems
There are 6,000 diabetes-related amputations in England every year, which is why it is vital that everyone with diabetes, whatever their background, looks after their feet and manages their condition well. But the latest findings suggest it is especially important to get across the message to white men living in poorer areas that they need to:
- have a foot check at least once a year;
- be told of their risk of foot problems;
- be aware they need to visit a healthcare professional immediately if there are any problems with their feet.
Too often, people will only see a healthcare professional about their feet once it is already too late. Up to 80 per cent of diabetes-related amputations are thought to be preventable and foot problems not being treated quickly enough is one of the main reasons there are so many unnecessary amputations.
Area of particular focus
Naomi Holman, the Yorkshire and Humber Public Health Observatory researcher who led the study, said, "It is important that everyone with diabetes takes good care of their feet. While we do not fully understand why white men living in poorer areas have a higher risk of diabetes-related amputation, our findings suggest that efforts to reduce amputations should focus particularly on this group.
"Certainly, the fact that they are more likely to have an amputation strongly suggests that even more amputations in this group could be prevented than in the rest of the population."
"Less engaged with the healthcare system"
Barbara Young, Chief Executive for Diabetes UK, said, "This study did not look at the reasons for the high amputation rate in white men living in poorer areas, but previous research has shown that this group may be less engaged with the healthcare system and take longer to seek medical attention if they have problems.
"We need to bring this tragedy to an end"
"It is vital that people understand the importance of going to their GP as soon as they notice any kind of foot problem because this really can be the difference between keeping your foot and losing it. It is a tragedy that every week in the UK, people with diabetes are having feet and legs amputated simply because they were reluctant to make a fuss, and we need to bring this tragedy to an end.
Thorough annual foot checks
"But good diabetes foot care is about much more than just getting problems treated quickly. Everyone with diabetes should be supported to manage their condition and have a thorough foot check at least once a year; we currently hear too many stories about foot checks so cursory that the person is not even asked to take their shoes off. Following their foot check, people should be informed of their risk status and, if at high risk, follow-up action should be taken.
"The stark fact is that unless people with diabetes manage their condition and take notice of their feet, they are at increased risk of becoming one of the thousands of people a year with the condition who have amputations that could have been avoided."
Putting Feet First
Our Putting Feet First campaign aims to reduce diabetes-related amputations by half over five years. As well as raising awareness among people with diabetes of the importance of good foot care, we are also calling on the NHS to improve the systems it has in place to treat foot problems.