Diabetes is responsible for approximately 100 limbs being amputated each week in the UK. Type 2 Diabetes is mostly caused by obesity, and the obesity epidemic is still on the rise. People suffering from diabetes are 15 times more likely to have a limb amputated than those who do not have the disease. In addition to the risk of losing limbs, due to ulcers and infections, diabetes also causes blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and heart attacks, and strokes. These are some of the biggest killers facing society today, and many cases are as a result of being severely overweight and obese.

More shocking than that amputations themselves is the fact that about 70% of amputees die within 5 years of the operation. The amputations lead to greater immobility, and this in turns leads to even more weight gain and further health problems.

Amputations are required when ulcers in the feet and legs become infected and lead to gangrine. Once gangrine is set in, the only option is to amputate. However, if infections are caught early, amputation can be avoided. Greater awareness of the risks of diabetes and obesity is required to reduce the number of amputations that are carried out each week.

The easiest way to mitigate the risk of losing a limb to diabetes is to not become diabetic in the first place, and to do this, a healthy diet, and exercise are essential. Keeping your weight down to a healthy level (ideally below BMI 30) and limited refined sugars in your diet are the best ways to prevent type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that women with high blood pressure are 300% more likely to develop diabetes, and diet and exercises are the easiest way to reduce blood pressure.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to ulcers and amputation. Although type 1 diabetes often develops in childhood, whereas type 2 is mostly diet and health related. It is estimated that there are half a million people in the UK suffering from type 2 diabetes who are unaware of their condition.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes:

• Excessive thirst
• Passing of excessive amounts of urine
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Mood changes
• Impotence
• Frequent skin infections e.g. boils
• Genital itching or recurrent thrush
• Muscular weakness
• Severe hunger pangs

Both types of diabetes can be treated by diet and exercise, to ensure that levels of glucose in the blood are as near to normal as possible. Together with a healthy lifestyle, this will help improve wellbeing and protect against possible long-term damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and major blood vessels.

Type 2 diabetes is really treated by losing weight and reducing intake of sugar. Eating well balanced meals with plenty of healthy salads, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables, and limiting all forms of sugar, such as junk food, cakes, biscuits and ice cream. A low GI diet can help, and also the Atkins Nutritional Approach has been shown to help, although the high fat content of this diet can cause problems.

If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms on a regular basis it is essential to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Diagnosis can be the greatest motivation for some people to make the effort to lose weight and eat healthily.