A DIABETES sufferer whose complications with the disease meant he was unable to work and forced to sell his home is pleading with others to take the illness seriously.

To mark World Diabetes Day which was on Monday (November 11) Peter Greensmith and his wife Pamela, from Weymouth, have spoken out about the devastating impact of diabetes.

In the last three years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes in Dorset has increased by more than five per cent, largely due to a rise in Type 2 diabetes.

Peter has suffered from Type 2 diabetes for twenty years. Four years ago he was diagnosed with a diabetes complication called a Charcot Foot, which if left unsupported often results in lower foot amputation.

In order to save his foot, Peter had to attend the hospital every fortnight to have it checked. It took 48 weeks to stabilise. All that time he was on crutches, unable to drive and unable to work. Peter’s wife Pamela had to help him get his special boot on each day and had to give up work too to take him to hospital appointments. Without work the couple could not pay the mortgage and devastatingly they had to sell their house.

Peter said: “It took a year of very careful management to save my foot and I was lucky as about 50 per cent of people who develop a Charcot have to have the foot amputated. I could not believe the consultant when he informed me it could take a year to stabilise.

“This horrible progressive disease affects most of your body and if you get a complication it is life-changing and sometimes life-threatening.

“I plead with all people with diabetes to take this horrible illness seriously. I have never had any NHS education. Although I value and support our NHS, Dorset diabetes care is under resourced, we need more information on diabetes management and control.

"Obtain the Diabetes UK information on the 15 Healthcare Essentials and seek advice and help from your GP. With good control you can reduce the risks of diabetes complications.”

Diabetes UK has described the rise in number as a "crisis" and is calling on the government and NHS to address low take-up of life-saving diabetes education courses. The charity suggests a target of at least one in two people with the condition taking part by 2020.

Phaedra Perry Diabetes UK South West regional head, said: “Diabetes is a killer. It’s a serious condition with serious, life-threatening complications. And it is the fastest-growing epidemic of our time. The more you know about diabetes, the better. Cutting your risk of developing devastating complications is crucial. You can talk things through with our specialist helpline team who really understand diabetes, and, make sure you’re getting all of the 15 vital checks and services you’re entitled to from the NHS."

For advice or information call 0345 123 2399, email helpline@diabetes.org.uk or visit diabetes.org.uk