Diabetic-Foot Complications in African and Antarctica Continents

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is the most common, non-communicable chronic disease globally. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common cause of diabetic foot complications in African countries; however, the peripheral arterial disease appears to increase, possibly a result of rising urbanisation. Articles search done for the past two decades (1999–2019) on foot complications such as peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, diabetic foot ulceration, infection or gangrene are directly associated with disability and indeed premature mortality. Rates of complications of diabetic foot varied by country as follow: peripheral neuropathy: 15–82%; peripheral arterial disease: 8.2–42%; foot ulcers: 12–24% and amputation rates: 16–55%. A review of one of the outcome studies from Tanzanian showed that patients who presented late with infection and gangrene death rates were >50%. The published report suggested that in some patients surgery was too late to prevent death. Educational and prevention programmes are required to curb the growing incidence of complications of diabetic foot ulcers in developing world. Intensive treatment and early surgery are required when patients present with gangrenous infected foot. Awareness has to be created among patients, in particular, to present early at the health centre for quick intervention for a better outcome during less serious rather than the later stage.