Sharp Increase in Leg and Foot Amputations Linked to Diabetes and Artery Disease in Illinois Hospitals

A recent study has documented a significant rise in the number of leg and foot amputations performed in Illinois hospitals between 2016 and 2023. According to the research, there was a 65% increase in these procedures over the seven-year period, with diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD) identified as leading contributing factors.

The findings, published in a reputable medical journal, reveal that certain groups are more affected than others. Men, Black individuals, and residents of lower socioeconomic neighborhoods experienced higher rates of amputations. The research suggests that the growing prevalence of chronic health conditions, particularly diabetes and PAD, is outpacing medical advancements, leading to more severe complications that ultimately require surgical intervention.

Experts explain that when patients with diabetes or PAD develop severe foot wounds or infections, the stage of their disease could be too advanced for conservative treatments to be effective. In these cases, amputation is often the only viable option. Notably, individuals diagnosed with both diabetes and PAD were found to have the highest increase in amputation rates during the study period.

While smoking rates have declined and the use of medical therapies such as statins has improved, these positive trends have not been sufficient to counterbalance the sharp rise in diabetes and PAD cases. The disparity in preventive care access is also believed to be contributing to the growing gap in health outcomes among different communities. Many affected patients do not receive timely screenings or adequate management of risk factors, increasing their likelihood of severe complications.

The burden of amputation extends far beyond the initial surgical procedure. Patients typically face at least three months of post-operative care, which includes multiple medical appointments to monitor healing and prevent complications. Physical and occupational therapy are also required to help patients adapt to prosthetic limbs, a process that can take several months. Delays in receiving prosthetics may result in prolonged periods of immobility, leading to further health deterioration and loss of independence.

In addition to physical challenges, patients often experience significant psychological stress following an amputation. Many struggle with feelings of shame, frustration, or disillusionment with the healthcare system, particularly if they feel their condition was not adequately managed or explained. The lack of awareness and understanding about diabetes and PAD can further complicate the recovery process.

Although the study focused on Illinois, the authors point out that these trends likely reflect a broader national pattern. With approximately 150,000 non-traumatic leg amputations performed each year in the United States, the escalating rates seen in Illinois are thought to mirror those in other regions, especially given the state's demographic diversity and mix of urban and rural areas.

Data from the study shows that between 2016 and 2023, there were 30,834 amputation-related hospital admissions across 193 Illinois hospitals. The majority of these patients had diabetes, and there was a notable increase in both the rate of diabetes diagnoses and the average length of hospital stays. Men accounted for over 70% of amputees, while nearly a quarter of patients were non-Hispanic Black individuals--despite this group representing a smaller percentage of the overall state population. The largest increases in amputation rates were observed among males, non-Hispanic Black patients, and individuals aged 65 to 74 years.

Due to the systemic nature of the conditions leading to amputation, mortality rates remain high. Data indicate that about half of patients undergoing above-knee amputations may not survive beyond 12 months post-procedure, underscoring the urgency of prevention and effective management of cardiovascular diseases. The study highlights the need for improved access to screening, early diagnosis, and aggressive risk factor control, particularly in underserved communities where PAD and diabetes are often underrecognized and undertreated.

Healthcare systems and community organizations are urged to prioritize preventive measures, including education about chronic disease management, to address the rising incidence of lower extremity amputations. Early intervention and equitable access to care are critical in reversing these alarming trends and improving patient outcomes statewide and nationally.