Part 6: Detection and Prevention of Foot Problems in Type 2 Diabetes

Summary - Economic consequences• Diabetic foot problems are a major cost to the health care system and are the mostcommon reason for hospital admissions for diabetes• The annual total direct cost for amputations in Australia is approximately $A 44million• Peripheral neuropathy and its complications (ulcer, osteomyelitis and amputation)account for 27% of the total direct medical costs of diabetes• The average cost of hospitalisation for treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer was $A12,474 in 1994• In a Belgium study the average cost of preventive care was $A 1,220 comparedwith $A 7,260 for treatment of an ulcer• Intensified foot care prevention and management strategies, such as staged footcare, are cost effective• The total cost for staged foot care was $A 6,630 compared with $A 13,060 forstandard care94