A family man is sounding the alarm over the devastating effects of type 2 diabetes after he ignored his symptoms while on holiday.
Chris needed a below-the-knee amputation after his initial complaints led to serious complications in his feet.
Chris was on holiday with his family in Tenerife when a new pair of sandals started giving him grief.
"They rubbed my feet and caused a blister on my big toe, but I didn’t really think anything of it. However, this became ulcerated and infected," he told Diabetes UK.
Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to your feet
Getty ImagesChris was treated by a podiatry team back in the UK but the infection had spread to the bone and he needed to have the toe amputated.
Given the state of the toes generally, the surgeons then suggested a forefoot amputation.
"I was initially shocked but they were optimistic that in six months they could get me back into normal shoes. I thought this sounded like a reasonable prospect and agreed to the surgery," he explained.
Chris thought that would be the end of it but sadly his foot wouldn’t heal.
The infection continued to spread and he was eventually admitted to hospital for IV antibiotics.
The family man was told the infection was dangerous and that it could spread above the knee and cause an entirely different level of disability.
The surgeon advised he get a below-the-knee amputation the following day.
"Diabetes is a nasty condition and I wish I had known just how serious the complications can be," Chris said.
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According to the NHS, you should check your feet every day.
As the health body explains, diabetes can reduce the blood supply to your feet and cause a loss of feeling.
"This means foot injuries do not heal well and you may not notice straight away if your foot is sore or injured.
"These problems can lead to ulcers and infections. If they're not treated early, you could need an amputation," it warns.
Simple things are important, like:
- Keeping feet clean and dry to avoid infection
- Trying not to go barefoot outside to avoid nicks and cuts
- Wearing shoes that fit well
