What is the Human Cost of Diabetes Mellitus?
3 million Canadians
3 million Canadians have Diabetes Mellitus (10% of the general population, 20% of the population over 70 years of age, and 30% of the native population)
450,000 Canadians
450,000 Canadians (15% of diabetic patients) will develop leg or foot ulcers in their lifetime as a consequence of their disease
14 – 24% (100,000) require amputation
14 – 24% (100,000) of patients with diabetes and leg or foot ulcers will require amputation
Leading Cause of Amputation
Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic leg amputations in Canada
16% of patients
16% of patients die during amputation surgery
50% within 5 years
Of those, 50% have an amputation of the other leg within 5 years due to the chronic effects of their disease
6 months
The majority of diabetic patients who suffer double amputations die within 6 months of the second amputation. Life of a “double amputee” is very difficult for seniors and elderly. They require round the clock care-givers. The quality of life is severely affected and many just lose the will to live.
$15,000 per year
Diabetic limb ulcers cost the health care system approximately $15,000 per year for home care.
$65,000
The direct costs of a limb amputation is $65,000 for surgery and hospitalization
$350,000
The indirect cost of a limb amputation is $350,000, which includes prosthetic legs, social services, rehabilitation, etc
In the Greater Toronto Area, approximately:
- 150,000 people are diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus
- 10,000 patients suffer chronic, non-healing diabetic wounds
- 1,000 patients a year will require a leg amputation
In addition to the severe emotional impact of the loss of a leg, these patients frequently become permanently disabled, wheelchair-bound or bedridden, losing their independence and requiring considerable social services including long, costly hospitalizations. It is estimated that only 40 – 50% of senior amputees ever become fully rehabilitated.
Chronic Diabetic Wounds – The Cause: