Good News On Declining Diabetic Amputation Rates

Good news has been recently reported by the Centers For Disease Control in the February issue of Diabetes Care.  In the report, amputation rates in hospitalized diabetics over 40 were assessed over a time period from 1988 to 2008.  The rates in 1996 were 11.2 out of every 1000 diabetic underwent an amputation, while in 2008 this rate was about 4 of every 1000 diabetics.  The rates of nondiabetic amputations stayed about the same.  Those who were older than 75, were male, or were African-American were more likely to have an amputation, than those who were younger, female, or caucasian.

This is a significant decrease, and I suspect it is likely related to new amputation prevention strategies, better access to education and foot care, the expanding field of diabetic limb salvage and wound care, the advancing of Medicare coverage for diabetic foot care and protective shoes/inserts, and better treatment options for poor circulation and difficult to treat wounds.

With this in mind, lets work together to bring that number down even further over the next twenty years, and make diabetic limb amputations a relic of the past.  Keep your glucose under control, take care of your foot skin, wear  properly fitting shoes, and see your podiatrist regularly for foot care and wound prevention.

Until next time,
Scott R. Kilberg DPM

www.inpodiatrygroup.com - foot surgeon, podiatrist in Indianapolis
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A foot doctor in Indianapolis Noblesville Fishers Carmel Westfield and Fortville Indiana.