The only national charity for people with diabetes is urging people with the condition to book a foot assessment with a podiatrist.
Diabetes related amputations remain high which is of major concern to Diabetes Ireland. There was limited access to healthcare services during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some 24 cases of lower limb amputations were recorded among diabetics in Galway in 2020, the highest figure in the west. There were 21 such amputations carried out in Co Mayo, 10 in Co Roscommon, and nine in Co Sligo, according to the organisation. A total of 608 people with diabetes nationally had these amputations in 2020. A further 2,536 people with the condition were hospitalised for foot ulcer treatment in the same period.
The largest year-on-year increases by county for diabetes related lower limb amputations are:- Waterford + 6, Roscommon +5, and Cavan, Mayo, Monaghan, and Sligo, all +4.
Meanwhile the largest year-on-year increases by county for people with diabetes requiring hospital in-patient foot ulceration treatment are:- Wexford +141, Louth +18, and Galway +11.
Diabetes Ireland is encouraging adults of all ages who have diabetes to ensure they have a “full and proper” foot assessment by a podiatrist or other appropriate healthcare professional.
People with the condition have special reason to take good care of their feet. Long term high blood glucose levels may make them susceptible to injury and infection. This is because the protective sensation in the toes or feet, the “pain alarm system” may slowly disappear due to long term exposure to high blood glucose levels.
Foot assessments will identify any problems and allow treatment to be undertaken early thereby preventing more serious problems from occurring. Diabetes Ireland recommends that people examine their feet daily and look out for small cuts, changes in skin colour and temperature, red areas, and swelling.
They should also check they have continuing sensation in their feet and be alert for signs such as prickly pain in the feet, numbness, and peculiar sensations such as a feeling of walking on cotton or of wearing tight socks. This is important as without a pain alarm system, injuries and poor fitting shoes may go unnoticed.
The most common cause of hospitalisation among patients with diabetes is diabetic foot disease (ulcer, infection, deformity, advanced neuropathy and amputation ). These are the most costly complication of diabetes. An Irish study showed that the average inpatient hospital treatment of a diabetes related foot ulcer is €30,000.
Foot disease affects mobility and quality of life, and is associated with a high risk of lower limb amputation. The risk of amputation in a patient with diabetes is 20 to 40 times higher than a non-diabetic patient.
