HUNDREDS of diabetics in Dorset have undergone "devastating" foot, toe and limb amputations in the past three years.

Between 2014-15 and 2016-17 there were 314 amputations due to diabetes in the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group area, according to data published by Public Health England.

Major, or above-the-ankle amputations, accounted for 98, with the remainder made up of toe or foot amputations made below the ankle. The condition can cause a loss of blood supply and feeling in the legs and feet, in turn causing ulcers and infections.

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

Dan Howarth, the charity's head of care, 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."

Public Health England measures the rate of major amputations among a diabetic population to assess the effectiveness of a CCG's provision of foot care services.

Across England, amputations rose by 14 per cent over the same period, rising to almost 26,400 – the equivalent of 170 every week.

The agency estimates that around nine per cent of the Dorset CCG's population have either been diagnosed with diabetes or are living with it undiagnosed.

This would mean around 69,100 people currently have the disease, based on the most recent population estimates.

The agency says the survival rate and quality of life for diabetics who have undergone major amputations is often poor.

A spokesman 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."