[Cost of the diabetic foot]

Among the long term complications of diabetes, leg and foot problems frequently associated with chronic nonhealing wounds constitute a heavy economic cost previously evaluated in some countries. This specific cost has not yet been calculated in France. This study represents the first "estimation" of the frequency and cost of these complications in our country. Methodological obstacles must be considered related to a large variety of clinical situations all covered by the word "diabetic foot", neurotrophic or ischemic origin, and the heterogeneity of the therapeutical approach more or less expensive. We have estimated the incidence of leg and foot problems about 50,000 to 60,000 per years, 20,000 to 25,000 requiring an inpatient treatment for a neurotrophic complication and 10,000 to 15,000 for an ischemic problem (frequently followed by a limited or a large amputation). The annual total cost, direct plus indirect, calculated on this basis should be: 3,750 millions of francs/year (about 700 millions of US $). This value must be compared to the total cost of diabetes in France 12,000 to 18,000 millions of francs/year when considering 1 to 1.5 million diabetic patients. Thus leg and foot problems appear to constitute a prominent part of the economical cost of diabetes in our country as in others developed countries. Multidisciplinary and specialized structures for the care and prevention of such complications of diabetes must be developed as new therapeutical approaches to reduce this incidence, the duration of healing and the risk of relapse.