Rocker Pete Doherty warned he may need amputation in diabetes battle

A major noughties British rocker has been given a grim warning by doctors, as years of partying and addiction take their toll.

Rocker Pete Doherty has been warned by doctors he risks having his toes amputated as he struggles with type 2 diabetes.

The Libertines star, 45, has performed from a chair for five dates of a European tour.

He told fans in Munich, Germany: “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 singer had been wearing slippers or socks on stage but since Friday has been in strip-fastener orthopaedic shoes.

At a show in Cologne, his bandmate Carl Barat was photographed helping him off stage.

Earlier this month, Pete also held a walking stick at a gallery launch in Berlin.

The singer, who dated Kate Moss from 2005 to 2007, said last year he had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

The condition raises the risk of serious foot problems and amputation.

Rocker Pete Doherty has been performing in a chair for five dates of his current European tour.

The rocker stood up briefly at his Munich show to explain his condition to the crowd.

Last year 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 more at risk because of 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.”

Doherty’s doctors say he risks having his toes amputated as he struggles with type 2 diabetes. Picture: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Doherty, seen here with a walking stick in 2023, has been told to stay off his feet or risk amputation. Picture: Joshua Sammer/Getty Images for ZFF

In November 2023 he said years of addiction had taken their toll.

Months before his diabetes diagnosis, he told journalist Louis Theroux: “You are looking at a very sick man. I’ve battered it, caned it.

“The heroin and crack I surrendered 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 diabetes and cholesterol problems. Death’s lurking.”

Doherty, performing here in 2012, says years of addiction have taken their toll. Picture: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

The rocker admits to doing heroin and cocaine while smoking and drinking in excess when he was younger. Picture: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Doherty famously dated Kate Moss from 2005 to 2007. Picture: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

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.”

Pete was approached for comment.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Rocker Pete Doherty warned he may need amputation in diabetes battle