A MAN had his left leg amputated below the knee after a tiny blister caused by wearing sandals on holiday became infected.
Chris Witt, 65, who has diabetes, got the blister on his big toe while visiting Tenerife.
Chris says he didn't think anything of it until it became ulcerated and turned into an infection, which then spread into his bone.
He initially had his left foot amputated, but due to further complications, surgeons were forced to carry out another amputation below the knee.
'YOU DON'T KNOW HOW VULNERABLE YOU ARE'
Chris, of St Austell, Cornwall, now wants to warn other diabetics of the importance of foot care and the danger of seemingly small wounds.
He said: "I wish I knew then what I know now.
"I didn't check my feet regularly, but now I check them every day.
"I want to urge people with diabetes to be vigilant about their feet and to get any problems sorted without delay.
"I went from a blister on my big toe to losing a leg. You don't realise how vulnerable you are until something like this happens."
Every week, 169 people undergo amputations caused by diabetes – equivalent to one every hour.
This figure has soared by 20 per cent in just four years, with many blaming the obesity epidemic.
However, complications can be prevented with early diagnosis, support and education.
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