The Rising Burden of Diabetes and Diabetic Foot Ulcers in India
Mon, 21 Jul 2025
Lucknow Desk | R.L. Pandey :
As we inaugurate our Dedicated Diabetic Foot Ulcer Clinic, it becomes crucial to spotlight a silent yet devastating complication of diabetes — diabetic foot ulcers. Despite their severe consequences, they remain under-discussed and under-recognized, even as they contribute to an alarming number of disabilities and amputations in India.
A Global and National Health Challenge
As of November 2024, over 828 million people globally are living with diabetes.
Shockingly, India accounts for 26% of this population, with more than 212 million diabetics, solidifying its status as the diabetes capital of the world.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Serious Yet Overlooked Threat
- Nearly 15% to 20% of diabetic individuals are likely to develop foot ulcers during their lifetime.
- In India alone, 50,000 to 1,00,000 amputations occur annually due to diabetic foot complications.
- Statistically, one limb is lost every 5 to 10 minutes to this preventable issue.
- A staggering 85% of all lower limb amputations are linked directly to diabetic foot ulcers.
Why This Clinic Matters
While complications such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular issues are well-known, foot-related issues receive little attention. Due to limited awareness, patients often seek medical help only after ulcers worsen, leading to severe infection and eventual amputation.
The Human Cost of Amputation
Amputations go beyond physical loss — they bring lifelong disability, emotional trauma, social stigma, and financial strain to both patients and families.
This is contributing substantially to India’s growing disability burden.
Advanced Facilities at Our Diabetic Foot Clinic
To combat this issue, our clinic offers cutting-edge diagnostic and preventive services, including
Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) – A quick, non-invasive test to assess blood flow in the legs.
Toe Brachial Index (TBI) – Especially useful for diabetics to evaluate arterial health.
Foot Sensation Mapping – Helps detect early nerve damage (neuropathy) and identify high-risk areas.
Foot Pressure Mapping – Determines pressure points to prevent future ulcer development.
Custom Offloading Footwear – Personalized shoe design to reduce pressure and protect vulnerable foot areas.
Free Diabetic Foot Awareness Camp – 27 July 2024
To further spread awareness and offer early diagnosis, we are hosting a Free Diabetic Foot Camp:
- Date: Sunday, 27 July 2024
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Venue: Vinayak Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center
Participants will receive:
Free consultation by specialists
Subsidized diabetic foot tests
- Standard Cost: ₹2100
- Special Camp Price: ₹1200 only
This initiative is designed to make early detection and prevention both accessible and affordable.
Our Vision and Media Collaboration
Since our hospital’s inception in 2003, we have always received unwavering encouragement from the media. Whether it was our opening or past health drives, your support has been invaluable.
Now, as we take a bold step toward tackling one of the most ignored yet critical complications of diabetes, we seek your continued support and coverage to bring this issue to the forefront.
Together, through awareness and timely care, we can reduce amputations, restore lives, and strengthen public health.