The burden of diabetes‐related foot disease among older adults in Australia

Abstract

Diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) is imposing an enormous burden on the health system and society due to the rapid growth of diabetes worldwide.Given the paucity of robust data on the disease burden of DFD in Australia, this study aimed to estimate the burden of disease due to DFD. The burden of DFD was estimated using the disability-adjusted life-years (DALY) approach.Data of 27 931 individuals aged 45 years and older with diabetes residing in New South Wales (NSW) from the 45 and Up Study survey were used in this study by linking it with the emergency department, hospital admissions and the deaths' registry data. The disease burden of DFD was estimated as 8915 DALY in NSW and 27 164 DALY in Australia in 2011. The burden was prominent among males and people aged 65 years and older. Most of the DALY (87%) was attributed to years of life lost or the fatal burden due to diabetesrelated lower limb amputation (DRLEA). The total monetary values of DALY of DFD for NSW and Australia were estimated at approximately AUD 2 billion and AUD 6 billion annually, respectively. Preventative and curative priorities should be given to DRLEA to reduce this burden and target males, especially those aged 65 years and older.

The financial burden of diabetes‐related foot disease in Australia: a systematic review

“…Upon full-text review, one study [ 25 ] met the eligibility criteria, while the other [ 24 ] was deemed ineligible. After re-running the searches to 20 July 2023, three more articles [ 9 , 26 , 27 ] were identified. One study [ 26 ] satisfied the eligibility criteria, while two studies [ 9 , 27 ] were excluded on full-text review.…”

“…After re-running the searches to 20 July 2023, three more articles [ 9 , 26 , 27 ] were identified. One study [ 26 ] satisfied the eligibility criteria, while two studies [ 9 , 27 ] were excluded on full-text review. Overall, only three articles [ 22 , 25 , 26 ] satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in the review.…”

“…There is also a lack of data comparing Australians living in metropolitan, regional or remote communities, and in particular the First Nations population. Of the few studies conducted on DFD prevalence in Australia [ 8 , 11 , 42 , 46 ], the data obtained has been predominantly from hospital-based diabetes populations and defined geographic areas, so they may not be reflective of the overall DFD burden within Australian communities [ 9 ].…”

“…A debilitating sequela of this chronic condition is diabetes-related foot disease (DFD), which is a limb-threatening complication encompassing diabetes-related foot ulceration (DFU), infection, ischaemia, and lower limb amputation [2]. DFD is a leading cause of hospitalisation, lower limb amputations, and is a large contributor to the global disability burden [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

Examining characteristics of those who receive pedorthic services: A clinical audit

“…Neuropathic plantar forefoot ulcers pose substantial challenges for both patients and healthcare providers due to their slow-healing nature and the potential for severe complications, including infection, osteomyelitis, and even lower extremity amputations [ 4 ]. Preventing the occurrence of these ulcers is crucial in diabetes management, highlighting the importance of early risk identification and intervention.…”