Type Two Diabetes and Amputations in England and Wales

A graphic account of life inside a Cardiff amputation ward clearly illustrates a devastating consequence of the type 2 diabetes 'pandemic' (https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/aug/07/it-looked-like-corned-beef-life-inside-a-welsh-amputation-ward-as-diabetes-gets-worse). A common complication of both varieties of diabetes, is impaired blood-flow. This is especially the case in lower limbs. Reduced blood-flow often results in foot ulcers and sometimes gangrene. This neccesitates amputation, to prevent the patient's death. In Wales, in 2021 to 2022, diabetes was linked to more than 650 amputations. In England, the figure was more than 9000. Amputation is debilitating/life-changing for the patient. The interviewed surgeon, claimed it was rare for him to do an amputation, without the patient having type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is produced by poor diet and a lack of exercise. The patient is, consequently, usually obese. This condition, unlike type 1, can often be reversed by dieting (https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/aug/05/nhs-soup-and-shake-diet-puts-almost-a-third-of-type-2-diabetes-cases-in-remission) and increased exercise. New appetite suppressing drugs have also been advocated. These are, however, reportedly in short supply and subject to dubious manufacturing activities (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/22/ozempic-knockoffs-weight-loss-drugs-fda). Buying these compounds online can be dangerous. Much more attention must be paid to diet and exercise. People need to be helped in this respect, rather than being castigated for 'not taking responsibility for themselves'. Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than 'cure'. Missing legs can't be replaced.