According to a recent report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), over 7,000 individuals with diabetes undergo amputations of the leg, foot, or toe annually, with the majority of these procedures being preventable.
The study, released today, highlights a stark disparity: individuals with diabetes residing in lower-income neighborhoods face a threefold increased risk of amputation compared to those in higher-income areas. Additionally, residents of remote communities are more susceptible to leg amputations than their urban counterparts.
Erin Pichora, CIHI’s program lead for population health, attributes these disparities to limited access to primary care, which impedes effective diabetes management. She notes that the lack of access to specialists such as podiatrists and chiropodists for diabetic foot wounds exacerbates the problem.
Laura O’Driscoll, Senior Manager of Policy at Diabetes Canada, underscores the need for equitable access to diabetes care. “Individuals with diabetes who experience amputations endure significant emotional and financial hardship,” O’Driscoll stated. “It is crucial that all diabetics have timely and affordable access to necessary medications, devices, education, and care to manage their condition and prevent complications such as amputation.”
The CIHI’s analysis of hospital records from fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2022-2023 reveals an annual average of 7,720 lower limb amputations related to diabetes among adults aged 18 and older. This includes approximately 3,080 hospitalizations for above-ankle amputations and 4,640 for below-ankle amputations, encompassing feet and toes.
This report was initially published by The Canadian Press on September 26, 2024. Canadian Press health coverage is supported by a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association, with CP responsible for the content.
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