The guitarist for the Libertines admitted to being told to stay off his feet or risk having his toes amputated, which revealed a terrifying insight into his diagnosis.
Rock icon Pete Doherty has shared a shocking update on his health challenges, opening up about his battle with type 2 diabetes, after admitting he was diagnosed with the chronic ailment in 2024.
In a startling revelation earlier this year, The Libertines guitarist was cautioned to “stay off his feet” or face the grim prospect of toe amputation. Currently, the 46-year-old is unable to slip into regular footwear and has instead turned to clunky orthopaedic sandals for relief.
Pete acknowledged in a candid conversation with The Sunday Times Magazine that despite his recent diagnosis, the illness probably developed years prior as a result of continued substance abuse.
He revealed how he handled a terrifying situation in January, when his extremities suddenly lost sensation, turning two of his toes ominously black. I’m currently unable to wear regular shoes, Pete said. It was a clear wake-up call indeed.
The star described the risk of “losing his toes,” calling it a “touch and go” moment, underscoring the urgent need for a radical change in both his diet and personal habits.
Since late 2019, Pete has acknowledged that excessive drinking has made his condition worse. He continued, “I now allow myself a gin and tonic once a week, but I’ve basically stopped drinking and have raised my blood sugar to a good level, so my toes are healing. However, smoking doesn’t help.
You could lose your foot if the inflammation gets too bad.
Pete also confessed his other guilty pleasures, including Comté, a type of French cheese, and Comté on toast. Sleeping is my guilty pleasure.
What does type 2 diabetes exactly mean?
The NHS describes type 2 diabetes as arising when a patient’s insulin, a hormone, either isn’t effective, or isn’t produced in sufficient quantities.
This malfunction causes bloodstream glucose (sugar) levels to rise. Adults are most frequently affected, but it can also affect children.
What signs indicate type 2 diabetes?
As Pete pointed out, symptoms of type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health issues like vision loss, organ failure, cardiac conditions, and sometimes even needing an amputation.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers typically exhibit a number of observable symptoms:
- Feeling very worn out
- more peeing than usual
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- attempting to lose weight without success
What is the treatment for type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes is manageable through lifestyle modifications, despite continuing to be incurable.
The NHS advises sticking to a nutrient-dense diet that includes both legumes, including chickpeas and lentils, as well as whole grains like wholemeal bread and oats.
Other helpful advice for professionals includes reducing alcohol consumption, shedding extra pounds, and kicking the habit of smoking.
Source: Mirror
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