Diabetes epidemic - Too late for ignorance

WITH diabetes on the increase, it is alarming to learn that people are losing limbs needlessly due to lack of investment in basic services.

This appalling situation provides further proof, if it were required, of the hapless state of Ireland’s ailing health service.

The loss of a limb is a most traumatic experience and diabetes is the most common reason adults have limbs amputated, with levels here higher than most European countries. What is worrying is that many people with the condition are unnecessarily losing limbs and dying from preventable complications.