A Diabetes Foot Health Story for the Cotswolds, Gloucester, Oxford, Cirencester & Cheltenham
Diabetes-related foot complications remain one of the leading causes of preventable amputations in the UK. Across the Cotswolds, Gloucester, Oxford, Cirencester and Cheltenham, many people living with diabetes are still unaware of how quickly small foot problems can escalate without early assessment and specialist care.
Pat Reynolds’ story highlights why awareness, education, and regular professional foot checks are so vital.
Pat’s Story: Living With Type 2 Diabetes
Pat, now aged 65, has lived with Type 2 diabetes since 1993. Like many people, her diagnosis didn’t fully sink in at first.
“I would tell myself, ‘I’m not diabetic.’ The complications felt like someone else’s future, not mine.”
Balancing work, family responsibilities, and medical appointments felt overwhelming, and lifestyle changes were difficult — something many people locally can relate to.
When Diabetes Affects the Feet
Seven years ago, Pat developed neuropathy and a small sore on her toe. What seemed minor developed into a diabetic foot ulcer. Despite regular podiatry visits, the infection progressed to the bone, resulting in a toe amputation.
“The experience of having a toe removed was emotionally traumatic for me.”
Pat later developed Charcot foot, a serious diabetes-related condition, affecting both feet over several years and significantly reducing her mobility.
The Long-Term Impact of Diabetic Foot Complications
Foot problems changed Pat’s life dramatically:
- Loss of independence
- Increased reliance on her husband
- Reduced mobility and wheelchair use
- Inability to drive or enjoy simple activities like walking or travelling
These challenges are faced by many people living with diabetes across Cheltenham, Cirencester, Gloucester, Oxford and the wider Cotswolds.
Why Early Diagnosis and Foot Checks Matter
Many serious diabetic foot complications are linked to poor circulation, nerve damage, and conditions such as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Without early diagnosis, PAD can significantly increase the risk of ulcers, infection, delayed healing, and amputation.
Pat now strongly encourages people to take foot health seriously:
“If I had understood earlier how serious foot problems could become, I might have acted sooner.”
Across England, over 135 diabetes-related amputations take place every week — many of which could be prevented through early intervention and expert management.
Accessing Expert Diabetic Foot Care in the Cotswolds
If you are living with diabetes and notice changes in your feet — such as numbness, colour changes, slow-healing wounds, pain, or temperature differences — seeking specialist advice early is essential.
You can contact the Head Clinician at Bourton Podiatry, one of the most respected podiatrists in the Cotswolds, for professional advice and personalised diabetic foot care.
📞 Telephone: 01451 824301
🌐 Website: https://bourtonpodiatry.com/contact/
Early diagnosis and expert management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and other diabetic foot conditions can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications, including infection and amputation.
Raising Awareness, Protecting Lives
Pat’s involvement in diabetes awareness campaigns and improvements to local foot care services demonstrates the power of education and early action.
Her message is simple but vital:
“With greater awareness, we can help prevent more amputations.”
Regular foot checks, timely referrals, and expert podiatry care play a crucial role in protecting mobility, independence, and quality of life for people living with diabetes.
Courtesy of diabetes.org.uk