THE number of people having to undergo an amputation procedure as a result of diabetes has risen, a study has found.

Analysis by the charity Diabetes UK found that 102 people had lower limb amputations linked to diabetes between 2014/15 and 2016/17 in the Blackburn with Darwen CCG area.

The figure represents a rise of 73 per cent from the 59 amputations between 2011/12 and 2013/14.

There was also a small increase in the number of such amputations in the East Lancashire CCG area from 174 between 2011/12 and 2013/14 to 179 between 2014/15 and 2016/17.

It means there have been 514 lower limb amputations linked to diabetes since 2011.

The figures include minor and major amputations.

Nationally, there has been a 19.4 per cent rise in the number of lower limb amputations.

Unhealed ulcers and foot infections are the main cause of diabetes-related amputations.

Diabetes affects almost 3.7 million people in the UK.

Clare Howarth, head of the north of England at Diabetes UK, described the figures as shocking.

She said: “The shocking number of diabetes-related lower limb amputations grows year on year.

“An amputation, regardless of whether it’s defined as minor or major, is devastating and life-changing.

“A minor amputation can still involve losing a whole foot.”

Charity bosses said it is vital that all people living with diabetes know how to look after their feet and check them regularly to look out for the signs of foot problems.

It is also crucial that people with diabetes know how important it is to seek medical attention if they spot any signs of foot problems.

The charity said that a matter of hours can make the difference between losing a foot and keeping a foot.

Ms Howarth added: “To reduce the number of diabetes-related amputations, we are calling on NHS England to maintain the Diabetes Transformation Fund beyond 2019.

“Many diabetes amputations are avoidable, but the quality of footcare for people living with diabetes varies significantly across England.

“Transformation funding since 2017 is working and will help to reduce these variations, but much work still needs to be done.”

People with type one and type two diabetes are at increased risk of developing problems in their feet because high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, affecting how blood flows to the feet and legs.

Unhealed ulcers and foot infections are the leading cause of diabetes related amputations, with diabetic foot ulcers preceding more than 80 per cent of amputations.

Diabetes is the most common cause of lower limb amputations in the UK, with someone living with diabetes 20 times more likely to experience an amputation than someone without the condition.

Foot ulcers and amputations are also hugely costly for the NHS, with at least £1 in every £140 of NHS spending going towards foot care for people with diabetes.

Foot problems can be devastating to a person’s quality of life and are often life-threatening.

For more information on footcare for people with diabetes, visit: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/be-in-the-know-check-your-feet