The Epidemiology of Amputation Inequality Extends Beyond Diabetes in England

Abstract

The excess risk of amputation in the diabetic population is well documented. However, approximately half of all amputations in England are in people that do not have diabetes - the remainder being mainly peripheral arterial disease. Whilst the prevalence of foot ulcers in the population without diabetes is significantly lower than their diabetic counterparts, the actual number of people with ulcers, and, therefore, the burden on services, is, the same. In addition to this inequality, the prevalence of amputation is greater in men than women and in the North of England compared with the South. We suggest that whilst diabetes is an important inequality to continue addressing, it is not the only one.

Keywords: amputation; diabetes; epidemiology; peripheral arterial disease.