Most diabetics unaware of its devastating side effects
MILLIONS of Britons are not taking the life-threatening risks posed by diabetes seriously, a charity warned last night.
Sufferers are a third more likely to die prematurely, yet most are unaware of its fatal complications.
Diabetes UK found just two per cent of sufferers realise that their condition can cause stroke.
Four per cent know it can cause kidney damage while six per cent are aware of its link to heart disease.
Diabetes makes blood sugar levels rocket but the biggest threat is with Type 2, where the body fails to produce or does not react to insulin.
Among the worst complications are amputation and blindness. There are now 169 diabetes-related amputations each week, equal to someone losing a leg, foot or toe every hour.
There are currently nearly four million sufferers in the UK but a further 12.3 million are at risk, making diabetes one of the gravest health crises facing the NHS.
Lifestyle driven Type 2 diabetes affects one in 10 adults and a diagnosis is made every two minutes.
Chris Witt was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1999.
The 64-year-old from St Austell, Cornwall, said: “My doctor phoned to tell me I had diabetes. It didn’t faze me as I didn’t really know too much about the implications.
“I remember the message coming through from the diabetes nurse about looking after my feet but I just didn’t take it on board.
Then, while on holiday in 2013, a blister on Chris’s toe became ulcerated and infected.
The spread of the infection into the bone led to his foot being amputated and soon after his leg.
Chris said: “The surgeons were optimistic that in six months they should be able to get me back into normal shoes, however my wound wouldn’t heal.
“It was tedious having it dressed three times a week but I didn’t want to lose the limb.
“I explained to the doctor that I had a cruise booked for the following week and would face the music when I got back.
“The doctor looked at me and said he wanted to do a below the knee amputation the following day.” Diabetes UK’s Chris Askew said: “Diabetes is the health crisis of our time. Losing a limb, eyesight or having a stroke is devastating and often life-changing.
“It is vital people with diabetes receive the right support to help them identify any early signs. Many complications can be prevented or delayed so it is important people are vigilant and contact their GP as soon as possible.”