Diabetic-Foot Complications in American and Australian Continents

Worldwide, about 9.1–26.1 million people with diabetes develop foot ulcers every year. Though developing countries in Africa, Asia, and South America are likely to see the greatest rise, developed countries also are facing similar uptrends. Globally, North America has the highest prevalence of diabetic foot problems, about 13.0%and Oceania has the least, about 3.0%. The type, site, and etiology of ulcer can vary from country to country depending on the climate, use of footwear, access to health care, physical activity, and culture. Similalry, the outcome of the DFU varies widely between and within countries. In general, about 50–60% die within 5 years. About 50% of DFUs get infected and about 20% end up in amputation. Given the devastating effects of the diabetic foot disease on the individual and the nation, many countries have established foot care programs nationally and/or in collaboration with other countries. Even with all these initiatives and efforts, diabetic foot problems continue to rise in pandemic proportions, and we should all be well prepared to face this significant public health issue.