"Our population-based analysis concludes that there are currently 3.9-4.6 million U.S. diabetics with foot ulcers representing annual treatment costs of $70-80 billion," Yost stated. "Unfortunately, by 2030 these numbers could approach 7.0 million, which implies an even greater economic burden," she continued.

Commenting on ischemia as a cause of diabetic foot ulcers, Yost said, "To our surprise ischemia has only recently become recognized as a significant cause of DFU. Research on critical limb ischemia and diabetic foot remains relatively unexplored, which is unfortunate because the severity of ischemia increases the risks of adverse outcomes, specifically non-healing ulcers, amputation and mortality," she elaborated.

"Ischemic ulcers are more costly to treat, primarily due to a greater number of hospitalizations," Ms. Yost stated. "More of these do not heal and there is a higher rate of amputation; patients are older and have a higher prevalence of severe comorbidities," continued Yost.

"As a result of our analysis, we agree with the Eurodiale (European Study Group on Diabetes and the Lower Extremity) authors that diabetic foot ulcers are a different disease in individuals with PAD," Yost concluded.

Source: THE SAGE GROUP