A study titled: “Global estimates of diabetes-related amputations incidence in 2010–2020: A systematic review and meta-analysis findings showed that the global annual incidence of diabetes-related minor and major amputations during the 2010-2020 period was estimated to be 139.97 and 94.82 cases/100,000 people with diabetes, respectively.
In Nigeria, estimates of 10 per cent people with diabetes suffer lower limb complications and the incidence is on the rise, a study titled: “Management of diabetic foot ulcers and the challenging points: An endocrine view”, disclosed, adding that presently, Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) account for the majority of non-traumatic amputations performed in most Nigerian tertiary hospitals. DFU is common, disabling and frequently leads to amputation of the leg, it added.
The vice-chancellor, QIU, Professor Zita Mohd Fahmi, during a tour of the University, organized by QNET, a lifestyle company, further explained that, “Because of inflammation and a compromised immune system, people with diabetes are more susceptible to skin infections. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and decrease blood flow to their feet, so the infection could not heal rapidly. Conversely, a slow healing process may result in serious consequences as infections have the potential to spread to other parts of their body and/or cause gangrene if left untreated.”
