Cost of diabetic foot disease to the National Health Service in England

Abstract

The cost of diabetic foot disease is substantial. Ignorance of the cost of current care may hinder commissioning of effective services for prevention and management in both community and secondary care.

Preventing and treating foot complications associated with diabetes mellitus

“…1,2 Consequently, the financial and health burdens of diabetic foot disease is substantial and in 2010-2011 was estimated to cost the National Health Service in the UK at least UK£580 million, which represents ~0.6% of the national health expenditure in that period of time. 3 More than half of this cost was estimated to be spent on care of ulcerations in the community, but the cost of inpatient care for foot ulcers and other foot complications in patients with diabetes mellitus is estimated at >£219 million in the UK. 3 Unfortunately, despite the enormous financial burden of managing diabetic foot disease, funding for research in this area is disappointingly low.…”

“…3 More than half of this cost was estimated to be spent on care of ulcerations in the community, but the cost of inpatient care for foot ulcers and other foot complications in patients with diabetes mellitus is estimated at >£219 million in the UK. 3 Unfortunately, despite the enormous financial burden of managing diabetic foot disease, funding for research in this area is disappointingly low. 4 In addition to being prevalent and costly, diabetic foot problems are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality.…”

Illiteracy and diabetic foot complications

“…These complications are a frequent reason of hospital admission and impose excessive distress and expenses [2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Diabetic neuropathy and vasculopathy can lead to loss of foot sensation, foot deformities (resulting in pressure points and ulcerations), increased susceptibility to infections (including osteomyelitis), and gangrene.…”

Benefits and Costs of Digital Consulting in Clinics Serving Young People With Long-Term Conditions: Mixed-Methods Approach (Preprint)

“…If we also consider the lost earnings of the carers, the lost income is almost doubled. NHS estimated the mean annual cost of prosthesis and care due to foot ulcers to be £2,879 per patient in the UK [32], and the cost of diabetic foot ulcers requiring amputation in the US ranged from US $16,488 to $66,215 [33]. In addition to this, the young patients may have to give up one-day income to visit a clinic, and they should spend a substantial amount of time on travelling.…”