THE number of people who have undergone an extreme surgical procedure due to diabetes has increased in Bolton.

According to figures released by Diabetes UK, the were 229 minor and major foot amputations in Bolton between 2013 and 2016 as a result of the condition.

This represents an increase of 45 procedures compared to the previous three-year recording period.

Across the country a total of 25,527 amputations were reported in the same period.

It comes as the charity reveals that almost a third of people in the North West are unaware of the dangers of diabetes-related foot ulcers

Foot ulcers are a serious complication of condition and a leading cause of diabetes-related amputations.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is pushing for patients to make sure they care for themselves or risk going under the surgeons knife.

A spokesman said: “At Bolton Diabetes Centre we offer all patients with diabetes an annual appointment with the foot screening service. It is really important that everyone attends this appointment, or rebooks if it is not convenient.

“We would advise people with diabetes to regularly inspect their feet, and aim to keep their feet as clean as their hands in order to prevent foot wounds. It is also important to be measured for properly fitting shoes.

“If someone notices a foot wound, they should contact their GP or the Diabetes Centre, to be seen by a specialist nurse as soon as possible.”

Between 2010 and 2013 there were 36 major diabetes-related amputation operations and 148 minor operations in Bolton.

In the the following three years there was an increase to 60 major amputation operations and 169 minor.

An amputation can be devastating to a person’s quality of life, and can even be life threatening – with up to 80 per cent of people with diabetes dying within five years following surgery.

Foot ulcers and amputations also cost the NHS; with at least £1 in every £140 of NHS spending in England going on foot care for people with diabetes.

A survey conducted by Diabetes UK found that 80 per cent of people in the North West know that an amputation is a major complication of diabetes but 32 per cent were not aware that people with diabetes are susceptible to foot ulcers.

Left unhealed, there ulcers are responsible for as many as four-in-five diabetes-related amputations.

The charity has launched its Putting Feet First campaign to call for urgent improvements to community diabetes foot services..

Foot problems, such as infections or ulcers, can deteriorate quickly and with devastating consequences, and the charity wants to see people with diabetes receiving routine access to podiatrists and foot protection teams, who can assess problems early and treat them.

Diabetes UK North head Stephen Ryan, Head of the charity’s , added: “Diabetes-related amputations devastate lives.

“While it’s positive that the majority of people in the North West are aware that an amputation is a complication of diabetes, it’s very worrying that so many don’t know the dangers posed by foot ulcers.”