The Putting Feet First campaign, from Diabetes UK, aims to bring an end to the thousands of potentially preventable amputations affecting people with diabetes.

Over 135 people with diabetes have a leg, foot or toe amputated each week in the UK. Four out of five of these amputations are preventable.

‘We need to focus on every aspect of diabetes footcare, from making sure everyone with diabetes gets good quality annual foot checks in primary care all the way through to the approach of surgeons once diabetic foot disease has set in,’ said Barbara Young, chief executive of Diabetes UK.

Amputation is not only devastating to a person’s life, it is also expensive. In England, it is estimated that between £600m and £700m is spent each year on foot ulcers and amputations.

In an effort to kerb this, the charity has some tips to pass on to patients:

- Make foot-care a part of your daily routine, just like managing your blood glucose and diet.

- Be aware of any loss of sensation in your feet.

- Ask someone to assess the feeling in your toes by doing the Touch the Toes test.

- Avoid using corn-removing plasters or blades.

- Keep useful numbers handy, and know who to contact at the first sign of problems with your feet. Leaflets containing the key information diabetes suffers need to know about looking after their feet, are available to order from Diabetes UK