New figures have revealed that the number of diabetes-related amputations a week in England has now reached an all-time record high of 135, according to Diabetes UK.

The figures, calculated using new Public Health England data, show that the annual number of diabetes-related amputations in England is now more than 7,000, compared to the previous figure of 6,677. This equates to seven more amputations each week.

Yet, with good diabetes and footcare, up to 80 per cent of these amputations can be avoided. Figures show that, because of the sharp increase in the number of people with diabetes over the past 20 years, the number of diabetes-related amputations is rising.

Diabetes UK is calling on the Government and the NHS to do more to tackle the problem of diabetes-related amputation by improving diabetes footcare. This includes ensuring everyone with diabetes gets good quality annual foot checks and that anyone who has a foot problem gets the right care to prevent or treat it.

To highlight the human tragedy behind these statistics, Diabetes UK is today displaying 135 shoes outside the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster to represent the number of diabetes-related amputations a week. They have been donated from people who have had an amputation, supporters and celebrities, and each has a personal message attached to it.

Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “The fact that the total number of amputations is continuing to rise is a huge concern because we know the devastating impact they have on people’s lives. As well as the psychological impact, they also cost lives as most people die within five years of having one. The vast majority of these amputations are not inevitable and we need people to show us they care about what is happening and take action to help us help many more people avoid the trauma of amputation. That’s why we’re asking people to tweet the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, about this using #135shoes."