DR. HARDY, OWNER OF A VERY SUCCESSFUL TORONTO FOOT CLINIC SHARE SOME CANADIAN STATISTICS ON DIABETES

Statistics

Government and Media info (cost of prevention VS residuals)

  • Average cost of treating a chronic wound:  $10,376
  • Average cost of acute wound (no complications):  $11,840
  • Average time to closure of acute wound (no complications):  165 days

Diabetes Foot Ulcers

Diabetes foot ulcers are leading cause of amputations

Foot ulcers and wounds are one of the most devastating complications of diabetes.  Ulcers and wounds arise from poor circulation associated with peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy, injury and infections.  Diabetes affects circulation and immunity, and over time the sensory nerves in the hands and feet may be damaged.  Canadians with diabetes often may not feel a foot injury, blister or cut.  Small sores, ulcers or wounds may become infected leading to serious complications that may result in amputation.

Nevertheless, the evidence is clear that diabetes foot ulcers and wounds that result in amputation may be prevented by early detection, prevention measures such as regular foot checks, stopping tobacco use and effective wound care.
  
Diabetes foot infections are the most common reason for admission to hospital for Canadians living with diabetes.  At highest risk of amputation for diabetes foot ulcers are Canadians with diabetes who are over 40, who smoke, and have lived diabetes for 10 years or more.

Key Facts

2.3 million Canadians live with diabetes today.
  • 15% - or 345,000 – will develop a diabetes foot ulcer in their lifetime.
  • 621,000 Canadians with diabetes reported in 2008 that they suffer from nerve damage.
Canadians with diabetes are 23 times more likely to be hospitalized for a limb amputation than someone without diabetes.
  • 85% of all amputations are the result of a non-healing foot ulcer.
  • More than half of amputations these amputations may have been prevented by appropriate footwear and more effective nail and foot care.
  • 50% of all lower limb amputations in Ontario are directly related to diabetes.
More than 4,000 Canadians with diabetes had a limb amputated in 2006.
  • An estimated 1,500 Ontarians with diabetes had a limb amputated in 2008.
    • 51% of those with a first amputation in 2006 may have a second limb amputated by 2011.
  • 30% of Canadians with diabetes will die within one year of amputation.
    • 69% of limb amputees with diabetes will not survive past five years.
  • Canadians with diabetes who see their family doctor or health team at least 3 times a year are 33% less likely to have a limb amputation.
Diabetes foot ulcers cost our healthcare system more than $150 million annually.
  • Total estimated cost to treat chronic leg ulcers in Ontario:  $15,564,000 (2005)
  • The average cost of treating a diabetes foot or leg ulcer in 2007:  $8,000
    • Average cost in 1998:  $4,595
  • The average cost of treating infected diabetes ulcers or wounds:  $17,000

PROFESSIONAL FOOT CLINIC

416-465-8737

Toronto, ON Chiropodist Academy Foot and Orthotic

752 BROADVIEW AVENUE Toronto, ON M4K 2P1 

Across from the Broadview Subway | Professional Family Foot Care