Two amputations a week are carried out on diabetes patients in Leicestershire | ITV News

Summary

The transcript discusses the severe impact of diabetes, focusing on a 73-year-old man named Novel who had his leg amputated due to complications from the disease. Novel shares his emotional journey, highlighting the loss of independence and struggles with phantom limb sensations. The report emphasizes the rising number of diabetes cases in Leicester, particularly in the South Asian community, which is more susceptible to type 2 diabetes due to genetic and lifestyle factors. Medical professionals also point out the increasing need for amputations in diabetic patients, urging people to take the condition seriously.

Takeaways

• 🩺 A 73-year-old man named Novel was diagnosed with diabetes around 20 years ago.
• 😔 Complications from diabetes led to the amputation of his left leg, which came as a shock to him.
• 🚶‍♂️ The loss of his leg drastically impacted his independence, especially with daily tasks like cooking and ironing.
• 📊 The number of adults with diabetes in Leicester has risen by a third in the past five years, now affecting over 28,000 people.
• 🍽 Most cases are type 2 diabetes, closely linked to diet and lifestyle factors.
• 🌍 The South Asian community is disproportionately affected by diabetes, making up 8% of diagnosed cases despite being only 4% of the UK population.
• 🧬 There is a genetic predisposition to diabetes in the South Asian community, exacerbated by lifestyle and dietary habits.
• 🚑 People with diabetes have impaired blood flow, leading to higher risks of infections and amputations, particularly due to gangrene.
• ⚠️ In Leicester, there are between one and two amputations a week related to diabetes complications.
• 🦿 Although Novel now uses a prosthetic limb, he still experiences phantom limb sensations and severe pain, making it hard for him to mentally accept the loss of his leg.

Q & A

Who is the main subject in the script, and what condition is he suffering from?

The main subject in the script is a 73-year-old man named Novel, who has been suffering from diabetes for about 20 years.

What major complication did Novel face due to his diabetes?

Novel had to have his left leg amputated due to complications from diabetes.

How did Novel react to the decision of amputation?

Novel was shocked when the doctors said there was no other alternative but to amputate. He accepted the decision but found it hard to cope with.

What are some of the challenges Novel faces after the amputation?

Novel mentioned that he lost his independence. He can no longer cook for himself or do things like ironing, which has been a major change for him.

How has the prevalence of diabetes in Leicester changed in recent years?

The number of adults in Leicester with diabetes has increased by a third in the last five years, rising to over 28,000 in 2017.

Which type of diabetes is most common in Leicester, and what is it linked to?

The majority of diabetes cases in Leicester are type 2 diabetes, which is linked to diet and lifestyle.

Why are people from the South Asian community more affected by diabetes in the UK?

People from the South Asian community are disproportionately affected due to a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle or diet choices. Despite making up 4% of the UK population, they account for 8% of diagnosed diabetes cases.

What is one serious complication of diabetes mentioned in the script, and how common is it?

One serious complication of diabetes mentioned is gangrene, which leads to more amputations. It is more common in diabetic patients than people typically expect.

How frequently are amputations performed on diabetic patients in Leicestershire?

In Leicestershire, an estimated one to two amputations are performed each week on patients with diabetes.

What unusual sensation does Novel experience after the amputation?

Novel experiences phantom limb sensation, where he feels as though his amputated leg is still there, along with occasional severe pain.

What message does Novel want to convey to others about diabetes?

Novel wants to warn people, regardless of age or ethnicity, to take diabetes seriously and not underestimate the impact it can have on their lives.