Warning to diabetes sufferers on foot tests

A QUARTER of people with diabetes in Scotland are at increased risk of amputation due to not getting their feet checked, campaigners have warned.

Diabetes UK Scotland said having their feet looked at was an essential annual check for some of the more serious complications from the condition.

The charity said there were already 10,292 people with diabetes in Scotland who have ulcers as result of diabetic foot disease.

But they said last year 11,293 people with Type 1 diabetes and 45,665 with Type 2 diabetes did not have their feet checked for possible problems.

Diabetes UK Scotland said people’s health could be at risk because they were missing out on a range of health checks and specialist services.

Feet screening is one of a checklist of 15 measures to assist people understand what services could help them manage their condition, which also includes eye and kidney tests.

Jane-Claire Judson, the charity’s national director, said: “Over 10,000 people in Scotland have existing complications with their feet and over 1,200 people have lost a lower limb.

“Diabetes UK Scotland sees the 15 measures as an important tool to make sure everyone diagnosed with diabetes in Scotland receives the best care possible.”

Barbara Young, chief executive at Diabetes UK, said: “The tragedy is that, for example, 90 per cent of cases of sight loss could have been avoided if they had been identified early enough.”