DID YOU KNOW?

This issue focuses on diabetes because of the strong relationship between atherosclerotic vascular disease and diabetes. Diabetes affects 17 million Americans, and many of those with long-standing diabetes have PAD. In addition:

• There are more than 56,000 diabetes-related amputations annually in the USA¹.
• About 20% will be hospitalized for foot problems¹.
• Diabetes is the most frequent cause of lower limb amputations outside of injuries¹.
• Prevention and early detection of foot problems is the best way to avoid life- and limb-threatening complications².

People with diabetes are:

• Seven times more likely (than those without diabetes) to have an amputation².
• Five times more likely to have PAD².
• Two to four times more likely to have a stroke¹.
• Two to four times more likely to have coronary artery disease¹.

1. American Diabetes Association;
2. Vascular Disease Foundation