Per Generex: Over 23 million Americans have bee
Post# of 36537
Over 23 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM), and an estimated 7 million
are undiagnosed, together representing more than 9% of the total U.S. population. Diabetic foot ulcers
(DFU) are a common complication of DM, affecting 19% to 34% of patients during their lifetime, and are
associated with significant morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs, Greater than 50% of DFUs become
infected, and more than 80% of amputations in patients with DM are reported to be preceded by a DFU.
DFU is a leading cause of DM-related hospitalizations and amputations, with a well-established all comers
5-year mortality rate after a major lower limb amputation of 50%, worse than many common types of
cancer. The financial burden of DFU on public and private payers accounts for approximately one-third of
the total cost of diabetic care and is estimated to range from $9-13 billion.
~Not sure how much the VA system accounts for the overall expenses for wound care, Maybe 10%. I think one of the PR's said 21% of the VA patients have wound care. I might be thinking of overall diabetes incidence.