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Management of diabetic foot lesions in hospital: costs and benefits

A Benotmane1, F Mohammedi, F Ayad

  • 1Service d'Endocrinologie-Diabétologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Clinique Laribère, 27 rue J.M. Laribère, 31000 Oran, Algeria. benot@elbahia.cerist.dz

Diabetes & Metabolism
|February 20, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Diabetic foot lesions significantly increase hospitalization costs and length of stay, with severity correlating to expenses. Prevention through patient education and regular check-ups is the most cost-effective strategy, especially in developing nations.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Diabetology
  • Public Health
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Diabetic foot lesions are a significant complication of diabetes mellitus.
  • These lesions lead to prolonged hospitalizations and substantial healthcare expenditures.
  • Understanding the economic burden is crucial for resource allocation and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the direct and indirect costs associated with diabetic foot lesions.
  • To analyze the relationship between lesion severity and associated healthcare costs.
  • To identify cost-effective strategies for managing diabetic foot complications.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 1,779 diabetes admissions over a 5-year period.
  • Classification of diabetic foot lesions using the Wagner classification (Groups I, II, III).
  • Calculation of direct costs including hospitalization, laboratory tests, and medical/surgical treatments.

Main Results:

  • 9.16% of diabetes admissions (163 patients) were due to foot lesions, accounting for 7,247 hospital days.
  • Average hospital stay was 45 days, increasing with lesion severity (26.87 to 57.12 days).
  • Total costs reached $914,534.39, with 80% attributed to hospital stay; costs ranged from $3,326.76 to $7,399.74 per lesion group.

Conclusions:

  • Healthcare costs and length of stay for diabetic foot lesions escalate with lesion severity.
  • Preventing ulcer formation through patient education, proper footwear, and regular medical examinations is the most economical approach.
  • This preventive strategy is particularly vital in developing countries with limited financial resources.
Abstract

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