St Austell man with diabetes Chris Witt had leg amputated after blister on toe on Tenerife holiday – Cornwall Live

A St Austell man had to have his leg amputated after a small blister on his toe that developed while he was on holiday in Tenerife turned into a serious infection which wouldn't heal.

Diabetes UK is sharing the story of 63-year-old Chris Witt in an attempt to warn men with diabetes of the importance of foot care.

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Mr Witt has type 2 diabetes and had his leg amputated in late 2016. The guest house owner developed a small blister on his toe after going for a walk in new sandals while on holiday in Tenerife.

This turned into an infection which wouldn't heal, leading first to the amputation of part of his foot and eventually to the loss of his leg below the knee.

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He said: "I didn't realise how dangerous it could be to have an infection and that it can come on so quickly. I wasn't vigilant enough. If you're a man with diabetes you need to check your feet every day and if you see anything wrong get in touch with your surgery. Push for quicker treatment if it's not going fast enough.

"If I'd realised the dangers, I might have saved my leg."

Diabetes UK south west regional head Phaedra Perry said: "Men with diabetes can protect their feet this May by ensuring they attend their annual foot check and that they come away knowing what their risk of developing foot problems is and whether further action is needed.

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"If your feet have not been checked by a healthcare professional in the past 12 months if you've not been invited in for your foot check or you missed your appointment do not put off booking or taking up the offer of a free check. Also, if you spot a problem or have any concerns do not wait for your 12-month check-up make sure you book an appointment as soon as possible as problems can escalate extremely quickly.

"Putting your feet first can prevent the devastating loss of your toes, feet or legs, which will have a huge impact on your life. Everyone with diabetes is entitled to an annual foot check or more frequent checks if you are deemed to be at medium or high risk.

"Checking regularly yourself and having an annual foot check with a health professional can keep you on your feet."

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A spokesman for Diabetes UK said: "Men with diabetes are at a higher risk of chronic foot and leg wounds which can lead to devastating toe, foot or leg amputations, Diabetes UK warns today. Nearly three out of four people who have diabetes-related foot ulcers are men.

"During Foot Health Awareness Month in May, the charity is urging people with diabetes and particularly men with diabetes, to take care of their feet and if they've not had them checked in the past 12 months to not delay in booking in for their free annual foot check with their doctor or nurse.

"Latest figures show there are 20 diabetes-related amputations a day, despite four out of five of these being preventable with good foot care."

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The charity warns that not all people with diabetes are getting the annual foot check they're entitled to on the NHS.

According to the National Diabetes Audit 2015/16, nearly one in six people with type 2 diabetes in Cornwall (16.3%) are missing out on this essential check-up, compared to one in ten across England.

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This rises to more in one in four people with type 1 diabetes in Cornwall (27.6%), in line with the England average.

They said having an amputation has a devastating impact on a person's life through loss of work, immobility and the inability to drive. But if a foot problem is treated quickly it can prevent serious problems in the future.

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Check your feet daily for any signs of redness, breaks in the skin, pain, build-up of hard skin or changes in the shape of your feet. These could be warning signs of early foot problems, so tell your doctor straight away.

Wash and dry your feet every day especially between the toes. Don't soak them in water as this can increase the risk of damage.

Moisturise every day, but not in between the toes (this can make infections more likely).

Check your shoes daily for anything that may rub.

Cut your nails carefully and don't cut down the side of your nails.

Don't use corn removing plasters or blades as these can damage healthy skin.

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The 'touch the toes test' can help you find out if you are losing sensation in your feet. Go to http://www.diabetes.org.uk/feet-care.

Alternatively, you can call the Diabetes UK helpline on 0345 123 2399.

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St Austell man with diabetes Chris Witt had leg amputated after blister on toe on Tenerife holiday - Cornwall Live