Major amputations caused by diabetes dropped by a third in one year, after a €400,000 Diabetic Foot Ward started welcoming patients at the end of 2017.

Speaking during a visit to the ward, which has already hosted 750 patients, Health Minister Chris Fearne said that while diabetes was very common among the Maltese, it could be controlled.

Diabetes could lead to limb amputations of a minor (foot or toes) and major (above the knee) nature.

“With the help of new medicine and measures, we have managed to cut down the number of major amputations by 30 per cent.

"As a result, we initially saw an increase in the number of minor amputations, however, last year we managed to decrease both minor and major amputations,” Mr Fearne noted.

The health authorities were increasing efforts when it comes to prevention, he said, adding that 27,000 machines that record and help control sugar levels had been distributed among patients.

Glucose sticks had also been handed out to 30,000 people, with a total expense of €16 million.