Parts of Sussex have some of the highest rates of diabetes-related amputations in the country.

Figures show 114 diabetics living in the Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) area had their foot or part of their leg amputated in the last three years.

This is a rate of 4.3 per 1,000 of the diabetic population and significantly higher than the national average of 2.6.

The information, published by national charity Diabetes UK, also shows the rate has risen slightly from 4.2 last year.

It also reveals a postcode lottery across Sussex.

Ninety-three diabetics had amputations in Brighton and Hove, giving it a rate of 3.1, while Hastings had 78 and a rate of 2.9.

Both areas reported a rise Coastal West Sussex, which covers the Shoreham, Worthing and Littlehampton area, also had a higher than average rate of 2.8, with 202 people having an amputation.

The rest of the county had below average rates, ranging from 2.5 in High Weald, Lewes and Havens down to 1.8 in Horsham and Mid Sussex.

Diabetes UK is calling for more action to be taken to ensure diabetics are regularly checked.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends diabetics admitted to hospital with foot problems have their feet checked by a specialist within 24 hours.

Chief executive Barbara Young said: “Given the appallingly high levels of preventable, diabetes-related amputations, it is hugely disappointing these latest figures have not shown a reduction in the rate.

“It means we are continuing to see thousands of people losing their feet when better healthcare could have prevented this from happening.”

“The postcode lottery around amputations is now so great that if you have diabetes then where you live is one of the single biggest predictors of whether you will end up having one.”

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is responsible for diabetes services in community and hospital settings.

It is working with CCGs across East Sussex to analyse the charity’s data and prepare an action plan.

Trust consultant in endocrinology and diabetes, Umesh Dashora, said: “We are in the process of improving access to and the structure of the foot protection team.

“We are also liaising with our vascular surgeon colleagues to ensure adequate diabetes input and that we maximise foot protection.”