by Bernie English bernie@limerickpost.ie
TWENTY four people have had limbs amputated as a result of diabetes at the University Hospital in Limerick so far this year.
A hospital spokesman confirmed to the Limerick Post that there were 49 patients with diabetes mellitus who underwent lower limb amputation at University Hospital Limerick in 2014. The figure so far for 2015 is 24.
National figures show 440 diabetes-related amputations were carried out last year, up from 393 in 2013.
There are around 3,500 diabetic patients in the Mid-West region, including 2,000 insulin-dependent diabetics and approximately 600 gestational diabetic patients.
Up to 500 diabetic patients a month attend clinics at University Hospital Limerick, Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital and the University Maternity Hospital in Limerick.
This figure includes new and review patients clinics, young persons clinics and gestational diabetes clinics.
There are currently 182 children with diabetes attending the clinics.
Many patients with diabetes may have multiple medical complaints and attend various clinics for review across the UL Hospital Group.
The University Hospital has recently acquired the staff and facilities to train children and their parents in the use of insulin pumps which dispense with the need for repeated painful injections.
Nationally, the lack of footcare specialists, known as podiatrists, who could detect problems early in patients, is said to be contributing to the worrying statistics.
Angela Fitzgerald, deputy national head of the acute hospitals in the HSE, said since 2009 an additional 14 podiatrists have been appointed, with eight more due to be hired this year.
“A reduction in diabetes-related amputations has not been seen due to increasing diabetes numbers and improved expectations of patients who are now living longer and have a better quality of life,” she said.
Ms Fitzgerald said that an audit of the current model of care for diabetic foot is underway and is due for completion shortly.
