Age Differences in Lower-Extremity Amputation in People With Diabetes and Behavioral Health Comorbidities

Lower-extremity amputations (LEAs) are a severe complication of diabetes that is associated with nonhealing foot ulcers and peripheral artery disease. Comorbid behavioral health conditions (CBHCs) have been linked to younger age at admission for LEA in people with diabetes. This study investigated the relationship between specific CBHC groups and patient age at presentation for LEA. The presence of CBHCs, median household income <$86,000, primary expected payer other than Medicare, non-White race, and male sex assigned at birth were all correlated with a reduced age of admission in people with LEAs. These findings highlight the interplay between CBHCs and sociodemographic factors that may contribute to earlier hospitalization for LEA in people with diabetes.