MORE people in a borough are having to undergo an amputation procedure as a result of diabetes, new figures show.

The number of major lower limb amputations (above the ankle) have risen in Blackburn with Darwen CCG area from 13 to 32 in the last six years.

While the number of minor amputations has almost doubled in the same time period from 45 to 87, according to the Public Health England ((PHE) data.

Health chiefs are blaming the increase on the number of people with diabetes rising.

Dr Jenifer Smith, programme director at PHE for the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, said: "It’s a tragedy that so many people are unnecessarily having to face the life-changing consequences of diabetes, such as amputations.

"Survival rates and quality of life for people following such major surgery can often be poor.

"This shouldn’t be happening when the condition is preventable."

To tackle this, Dr Smith said an NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme has been launched to help people reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by making changes to their lifestyle.