Simon Speight: podiatrist on the increase in people losing toes, feet and legs to diabetes

2025-10-06

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Diabetes is costing record numbers of Kiwis toes, feet and legs. More than 1200 lower-limb amputations were performed last year alone. Those with type two diabetes - about 95 percent of the diabetes population - are most affected. Diabetes Special Interest Group Head, Simon Speight, says GPs focus on managing symptoms to reduce the need for surgery. "Whether it's the sugar levels, the blood pressure, the cholesterol - just trying to get those levels sorted out right from the get-go, because if any of those...

Diabetes is costing record numbers of Kiwis toes, feet and legs.

More than 1200 lower-limb amputations were performed last year alone.

Those with type two diabetes - about 95 percent of the diabetes population - are most affected.

Diabetes Special Interest Group Head, Simon Speight, says GPs focus on managing symptoms to reduce the need for surgery.

"Whether it's the sugar levels, the blood pressure, the cholesterol - just trying to get those levels sorted out right from the get-go, because if any of those proceed 20, 30, 40 years later down the track, that's when these things can happen."

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