Global Diabetic Foot Statistics
Diabetic foot disease represents a catastrophic global health crisis, with more than 1 million lower extremity amputations occurring annually worldwide—translating to one leg lost every 30 seconds. 1
Global Burden and Prevalence
Worldwide Impact
- 18.6 million people globally are affected by diabetic foot ulcers each year, including 1.6 million in the United States 2
- Approximately 366 million people had diabetes in 2011 (7.0% of the world's population), with projections reaching 552 million by 2030 (8.3% of adults) 1
- 80% of diabetic patients live in developing countries, where foot problems are thought to be even more common than in developed nations 1
Lifetime Risk and Ulcer Development
- One in six people with diabetes in developed countries will develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime 1
- The lifetime risk of developing diabetic foot ulceration ranges from 19% to 34% for individuals with diabetes 3
- Approximately 15% of diabetic patients will develop foot ulcers at some point in their lives 4, 5
Amputation Statistics
Amputation Rates and Outcomes
- 80% of lower extremity amputations among people with diabetes are preceded by a foot ulcer 2
- 15% of all diabetic foot ulcers result in amputation 5
- Between 14% and 24% of patients with diabetic foot ulcers will require amputation due to bone infection or ulcer-related complications 4
- Up to 28% of diabetic foot ulcers may result in some form of amputation 1
- At least 25% of diabetic foot ulcers will not heal despite treatment 1
Infection Complications
- 50% to 60% of diabetic foot ulcers become infected 2
- Approximately 20% of moderate to severe infections lead to lower extremity amputations 2
Mortality Statistics
Death Rates Associated with Diabetic Foot Disease
- The 5-year mortality rate for individuals with diabetic foot ulcers is approximately 30%, exceeding 70% for those who undergo major amputation 2
- Mortality rate is 231 deaths per 1,000 person-years in people with diabetic foot ulcers, compared to 182 deaths per 1,000 person-years in people with diabetes without foot ulcers 2
Healing and Recurrence Rates
Treatment Outcomes
- Only 30% to 40% of diabetic foot ulcers heal at 12 weeks with standard treatment 2
- Recurrence after healing is 42% at 1 year and increases to 65% at 5 years 2
Health Disparities
Racial and Socioeconomic Factors
- Black, Hispanic, and Native American populations have significantly higher rates of diabetic foot ulcers and subsequent amputations compared to White populations 2
- People with low socioeconomic status experience disproportionately higher rates of diabetic foot complications and amputations 2
Regional Variations
Geographic Differences
- The spectrum of foot lesions varies significantly by region due to differences in socioeconomic conditions, standards of foot care, and quality of footwear 1
- Developing countries face even higher burdens of diabetic foot problems compared to developed nations, though precise statistics are often lacking 1
Healthcare Burden
Economic and System Impact
- Diabetic foot problems are responsible for nearly 50% of all diabetes-related hospital bed days 5
- The condition places a considerable financial burden on healthcare systems and society in general 1
- Multidisciplinary care reduces major amputation rates from 4.4% to 3.2% (odds ratio 0.40; 95% CI, 0.32-0.51) compared to usual care 2
Risk Factors for Ulcer Development
Primary Pathophysiologic Contributors
- Peripheral neuropathy, foot deformities, minor foot trauma, and peripheral arterial disease are the most important factors leading to ulcer development 1
- Once an ulcer develops, infection and peripheral arterial disease are the major causes for amputation 1