A new care centre for people with diabetes has been opened in Cork. It will have a key role in the early detection and prevention of diabetes-related complications.

The centre will initially provide a podiatry (foot care) service, which will see clients receiving a full diabetic foot screen and assessment, followed by treatment where necessary, all at a subsidised rate.

According to HSE figures, last year, 440 people with diabetes had lower limb amputations and almost 1,700 were admitted to hospital with foot ulcers, many of whom had to spend up to two weeks in hospital.

However, diabetes-related foot complications are preventable in the vast majority of cases if regular screening takes place and there is early intervention and treatment by podiatrists.

"This service is intended for people with diabetes at low or moderate risk of developing foot complications, currently not accessible through public services for the majority of people.

"It is therefore an early detection and prevention service provided by high quality and experienced podiatrists whose aim is to keep people healthy through regular assessment," explained Pauline Lynch, regional development officer with Diabetes Ireland, the national charity which is responsible for setting up the care centre.

The charity established its first care centre in Dublin in 2013 because it was ‘frustrated with limited access to services in the public sector'. Due to the success of that centre, people in other parts of the country started asking for their own centres.

Diabetes Ireland is hoping to have four centres open by 2020.

"The cost of opening a care centre is approximately €250,000 and with the support of our branch networks and kind donations, we are confident we will reach our goal," commented John Verling, chairperson of the charity's Cork branch.

Aside from the podiatry service, the team at the centre will also provide support and information on diabetes, which may be particularly helpful for newly-diagnosed people who are waiting for their first hospital appointment.

"Going forward, we also plan to introduce a dietitian and counselling service and a hearing test service. These services are not easily accessible in the public sector," Ms Lynch noted.

The Cork Care Centre is located at Enterprise House, 36 Mary Street, off George's Quay in Cork. The subsidised fees will see people paying €45 for their first podiatrist appointment, which includes free annual membership of Diabetes Ireland, and €35 for every follow-up appointment.

Almost 226,000 people are estimated to have diabetes in Ireland, including 27,000 in Cork city and county. Over 20,000 of these do not have optimum control of their condition, which puts them at an increased risk of experiencing complications.

To book an appointment at the Cork Care Centre, call (021) 427 4229 or email corkcarecentre@diabetes.ie

For more information on Diabetes Ireland, click here