13 June 2025

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) is raising awareness of the realities of living with diabetes, including the importance of foot health and early detection of complications – during Diabetes Week (9-15 June)

People living with diabetes face challenges that can impact on every part of their life but with the right support and proactive care, serious complications can be prevented. This includes diabetic neuropathy, which can cause people to lose feeling in their feet.

Pain is the body’s way of protecting us, it helps us react to harm like removing a stone from our shoe before it causes damage but for people with diabetes who experience neuropathy, this warning system can be lost, leading to potentially serious wounds and ulcers without them even realising.

Studies show that neuropathy affects at least 20% of people with type 1 diabetes, who have had diabetes for at least 20 years, and it affects 15-50% of people with type 2 diabetes who have has diabetes for at least 10 years.

If left unchecked, these complications can escalate. Every week, over 180 diabetes-related amputations take place in the UK but 80% are preventable with the right care.

As part of this year’s awareness week, the Trust is encouraging people with diabetes to stay on top of their annual health checks, including vital foot assessments.

Nichola Beard, SaTH Diabetes Podiatry Lead has worked closely with Ms Catriona Heaver, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and her colleagues to set up a new service at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. This service assists patients who require minor procedures, such as toe tendon surgery as a day case, to prevent the progression of deformities that can lead to foot ulceration and serious complications.

Tips for keeping feet healthy with diabetes:

  • Attend your annual diabetes review at your GP surgery, including your foot check.
  • Keep all appointments with the podiatry services if you’ve been referred.
  • Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, swelling, colour changes, or pain.
  • Act quickly if you spot a problem – contact your GP or out-of-hours healthcare service urgently.
  • Wear well-fitting shoes and avoid walking barefoot.
  • Stop smoking to reduce your risk of complications.

Dr Probal Moulik, Consultant Endocrinologist and diabetes foot care service lead at the trust  said: “With the right knowledge, regular checks, and quick action when something seems wrong, we can help patients stay healthy and avoid life-changing complications. This week is about starting those conversations.”

The Trust is also marking the week with a number of activities to promote better awareness and education:

  • A wound care conference at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, bringing together 180 clinicians from across primary, community, and secondary care.
  • Launch of the new inpatient campaign, ‘Lift the Sheet – Check the Feet’, encouraging all ward staff to check the feet of patients with diabetes as part of routine care.
  • Sharing of powerful patient stories and video resources, giving voice to those living with diabetes every day.

For more information about diabetes care and foot health support, speak to your GP or local healthcare team.