Diabetes UK and the Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Podiatry Team have come together to provide foot care training for people with diabetes in the local area.
The ‘Putting Feet First’ event, on 5 July, is aimed at helping people living with diabetes to gain information on how to take care of their feet and what signs to be aware of in the event of complications.
Diabetes is the single biggest cause of preventable amputations in the UK. The number of diabetes-related amputations a week in England has now reached an all-time record high of 135 and yet with good diabetes and footcare, up to 80 per cent of these amputations can be avoided.
Stephen Ryan, Head of the North at Diabetes UK said: “This event is aimed at people who at present do not have to see a podiatrist, in the hope that we can give people the tools to help take care of their feet, to understand the complications that can arise from poor foot care and to help prevent diabetes-related amputations.”
The Scarborough & Ryedale area has the highest prevalence of diabetes related amputations of any health district in the country, with an estimated 29 amputations each year.
Sammy Lambert, Podiatry Team Lead, said “Health promotion and education is essential to empowering patients living with diabetes. It is imperative people living with diabetes know when to seek help and importantly who to seek it from. The Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Podiatry team, as part of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust is passionate about delivering high quality care and improving people’s awareness of lower limb risks associated with diabetes with rapid referral into podiatry if problems occur. “
The half- day event, which runs from 1.30-4.30pm, will include an interactive workshop as well as a talk from a patient on their experiences of narrowly avoiding a major amputation.
If you’d like to attend the Scarborough Putting Feet First event, which will be held at The Street on Lower Clarke Street , please contact Paula Maddison-Green at Diabetes UK on 01325 488606 or email [email protected]
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For further media information please contact Carmel Ganner on 01925 644573 [email protected] or the Diabetes UK Media Relations Team on 020 7424 1165 or email [email protected]
For urgent out of hours media enquiries only please call 07711 176028. ISDN facilities available.
Notes to editor:
- Diabetes UK is the leading UK charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes. For more information on all aspects of diabetes and access to Diabetes UK activities and services, visit diabetes.org.uk
- In the UK, there are 4 million people who have diabetes of which 549,000 people have Type 2 diabetes but don’t know they have it because they haven’t been diagnosed. 11.9 million people are at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and if current trends continue, an estimated 5 million people will have diabetes by 2025.
- Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age in the UK and is a major cause of lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke.
- People with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. About 10 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 1. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable. It usually affects children or young adults, starting suddenly and getting worse quickly. Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump. It is also recommended to follow a healthy diet and take regular physical activity
- People with Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly (known as insulin resistance). 85 to 90 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 2. They might get Type 2 diabetes because of their family history, age and ethnic background puts them at increased risk. They are also more likely to get Type 2 diabetes if they are overweight. It starts gradually, usually later in life, and it can be years before they realise they have it. Type 2 diabetes is treated with a healthy diet and increased physical activity. In addition, tablets and/or insulin can be required.