HUNDREDS of diabetics in Wirral have undergone 'devastating' foot, toe and limb amputations in the last three years, shocking figures reveal.

The number of people having diabetes-linked amputations in the NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group area has increased by 10% since 2014.

Between 2011-12 and 2013-14, there were 183 amputations due to diabetes, according to data published by Public Health England.

By the end of the 2014-15 to 2016-17 period, this figure had risen to 202.

The biggest increase was in minor, or below-the-ankle amputations, such as of the toe or foot. These rose from 103 to 141 - an increase of 37%.

The Royal College of Surgeons says that, despite the name, minor amputations can have a major impact on patients.

They can be difficult to heal, could impair walking, and may even lead to further infections, they said.

According to the charity Diabetes UK, foot problems are the most common cause of hospital stays for people with diabetes.

The disease can cause a loss of blood supply and feeling in the legs and feet, which can in turn cause ulcers and infections.

Across England, amputations increased by 14% over the same period, rising to almost 26,400 - the equivalent of 170 every week.

Diabetes UK says "urgent action" is needed to stop what it described as an "epidemic" of diabetes.

It also said more needed to be done to address disparities in the quality of care available in different parts of the country.

Around four out of five amputations could be prevented if diabetics had the right support available, they added.

Public Health England says both the survival rate and the quality of life for diabetics who have undergone major amputations - those that are above the ankle - are often poor.

It estimates that around 9% of the NHS Wirral CCG's population have either been diagnosed with diabetes or are living with it undiagnosed.

This would mean around 28,500 people currently have the disease, based on the most recent population estimates.

The increase in type 2 diabetes across the UK is linked to the growth in obesity and a person's socio-economic status can affect their risk of developing the disease, according to Diabetes UK.

Across England, CCG areas with a higher level of deprivation among their population tend to also have a high prevalence of diabetes.

The NHS Wirral CCG has both an above average level of diabetes prevalence and of deprivation.

Dan Howarth, head of care for Diabetes UK, said: "The latest figures show that, unfortunately, there’s still a great deal of work to be done to tackle rising number of diabetes-related amputations across England.

"Amputations devastate lives. It’s so important that everyone with the condition has access to diabetes foot services, and the support of podiatrists and foot care protection teams.

"Access remains an issue, however, and the quality and availability of services still varies significantly across England.

"That’s why we want to see greater commitment from Government to improving diabetes foot services, ensuring routine, high-quality care to those who need it, regardless of where they live.”

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “Prevention is better than cure, which is why we are delivering an ambitious plan to tackle obesity in children, including getting children exercising more in schools and reducing their exposure to sugary and fatty foods.

“We’ve invested billions in public health services and NHS England’s Diabetes Prevention Programme is available across the country for adults at risk of developing diabetes.”