Incidence of Lower-limb Amputations in the Diabetic Compared to the Non-diabetic Population. Findings from Nationwide Insurance Data, Germany, 2005–2007

Abstract

In our first German nationwide study, we found the relative risk of lower limb amputation in the diabetic compared to the non-diabetic to be lower than in earlier regional studies in Germany, supporting results of regional reductions of the excess amputation risk due to diabetes. A repetition of the study is warranted to further evaluate trends according to the St. Vincent goals.