Non-traumatic lower-extremity amputations (NLEA) have decreased among the diabetic population in the US.

A recent study published by the American Association of Diabetes reports that cases of diabetic amputations decreased significantly between 1988 to 2008. The rate of NLEAs in 1996 was 11.2 % and dropped to 3.9% by 2008 in patients with diabetes who were over 40. The rates of non-diabetic NLEAs changed little. Diabetics who were elderly, male and/or African-American were all disproportionately affected by NLEA.

The research recommends that ongoing efforts to improve foot care continue.

To read the report, click here.

Image: Three legs. Credit: anuarsalleh on Flickr.