Pete Doherty has reportedly been warned he is at risk of an amputation (Image: PA)
Rocker Pete Doherty has been warned by doctors that he is at risk of having his toes amputated as he continues to battle with type 2 diabetes.
The Libertines star, 45, is currently taking part on a European tour, where the musician has performed from a chair for five of his dates so far.
According to , he told fans during a performance in Munich, Germany that his illness has progressed. He revealed: “I saw the doctor today and he said you need to stay off your feet as much as you can otherwise you’ll lose your toes.”
The Can’t Stand Me Now hitmaker had been wearing slippers or socks on stage, but since Friday (February 14), he has been in strip-fastener orthopaedic shoes.
At a show in Cologne, his bandmate Carl Barat was snapped helping him off stage. Earlier this month, Pete also held a walking stick at a gallery launch in the heart of Berlin.
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The musician was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year (Image: BBC/Mindhouse Productions/Ryan McNamara)
The musician – who famously dated Kate Moss from 2005 to 2007 – revealed last year . The condition raises the risk of serious foot problems and amputation.
Last spring he said: “I’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. And at the moment, I’m lacking the discipline to tackle cholesterol.” He is believed to be at further risk due to his years of drug abuse.
He said in 2022: “I was pushing the limits. There were close calls. I nearly lost my feet and horrible things like that. It was very close, just because of the injecting. That’s what happens when you run out of veins. It all seems so long ago now though but it was a hell of a ride.”
In November 2023, he said years of addiction had taken their toll on his body. Months before his diabetes diagnoses, he told journalist Louis Theroux: “You are looking at a very sick man. I’ve battered it, caned it.
“The heroin and crack I surrender to that. Then it was cocaine, smoking and alcohol. Now it’s cheese and the saucisson, and the sugar in the tea… it’s all gotta go. They told me a while ago if you don’t change your diet you’re going to have cholesterol problems. Death’s lurking.”
Diabetes UK said: “Over time raised blood sugar levels can damage the vessels that supply the nerves in your feet. This stops nutrients reaching the nerves.
“You can lose feeling – peripheral neuropathy – and damage feet without noticing. Blood supply to the feet is also reduced. Cuts and sores may struggle to heal. You may get cramps and pain. Left untreated, these problems can lead to foot ulcers, infections and, at worst, amputations.”
Express.co.uk has approached Pete’s representatives for a comment.