Improving Diabetic Foot Care: A Guide for Commissioners
Quality of Life and Survival
Both amputation and ulceration are associated with high mortality.
Only around 50% of patients survive for 2 years after major amputation in diabetes.
5-year survival after diabetic foot ulcer is 58%, similar to that for colorectal cancer, and lower than for breast or prostate cancer.
Health-related quality of life for people with diabetic foot ulcers is lower than for people with a range of other long-term conditions and health needs, including those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and people on haemodialysis. It is also considerably lower than for people who have diabetes and macrovascular complications without foot problems.
Health-related quality of life is measured using the Euroqol (EQ-5D) standardised instrument.
* Diabetes with macrovascular complications
The impact of foot ulcers on quality of life is often underestimated.
Dr. Wing May Kong is a consultant diabetologist.