Poor White Men Most at Risk of Losing a Limb from Diabetes

One of the health risks associated with diabetes is amputation and the disease, a disorder of the blood that causes high blood glucose levels, is one of the leading causes of amputation of lower limbs. This is because a complication of the disorder is neuropathy or nerve damage where poor dietary control stops the nerves transmitting signals efficiently and so damages the blood vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.

Unnecessary amputations can be avoided through good foot care, dietary control and maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. However, new research has shown that white men with diabetes living in the UK’s poorest areas face an increased risk of losing a limb because of their condition.

Researchers from the Yorkshire and Humber Public Health Observatory outlined the findings of their study to the Diabetes UK Professional Conference, advising that awareness of this problem has to be raised among those men most at risk. The study concluded that diabetic white men in the most deprived parts of Britain should be told in clear terms of the risk to their feet from their condition. It also advised that their feet should be checked annually and that they must consult their GP if they notice a problem with their feet.

The study did not discover the reason why white men in deprived areas are more at risk of losing a limb to diabetes but it is known that people in poorer locations are always less likely to seek medical help or attend follow-up care after diagnosis.

The study suggested that any efforts by the NHS or diabetes charities should focus on engaging with those men to reduce their risk of amputation. A lifelong condition for which there is no cure, diabetes can be managed through medication, exercise and diet.