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Manitoba’s Alarming Rise in Diabetes-Related Leg Amputations: Double the National Average, Report Finds
Manitoba has recorded more than double the national average of diabetes-associated leg amputations between 2020 and 2023, according to a report released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) on Thursday. The alarming statistics spotlight the urgent need for improved diabetes care and prevention strategies in the province.
The report, titled Equity in Diabetes Care: A Focus on Lower Limb Amputations, provides a comprehensive overview of diabetes-related amputations across Canada, examining the disparities in care and outcomes across different populations.
Staggering Amputation Rates in Manitoba
The data reveals that Manitoba’s age-standardized rate of diabetes-associated leg amputations is 19 per 100,000, compared to the national average of nine per 100,000. This translates to approximately 200 leg amputations annually in Manitoba alone.
“This is a devastating outcome,” said Geoff Hynes, manager of population health at CIHI. “It’s life-altering for patients and families, which is why we’re focusing on this issue.”
Factors Contributing to Manitoba’s High Rates
CIHI’s analysis found that people living in rural and remote areas face significantly higher risks of leg amputations due to limited access to healthcare. This geographic isolation may be a key factor in Manitoba’s elevated numbers.
“This is not an easy issue to address,” Hynes explained. “We need action on multiple levels—prevention, primary care, and acute care—to bring these numbers down.”
Additional Findings from the Report
The report also revealed that Manitoba’s rate of ankle-and-below amputations was 19 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 14 per 100,000. On a national scale, Canada saw around 7,720 lower limb amputations annually among people aged 18 and older, with a significant portion affecting those between the ages of 40 and 64.
Who Is Most Affected?
Lower limb complications, including amputations, are more prevalent among individuals living in lower-income neighborhoods and areas with higher social deprivation. Additionally, men with diabetes are two to three times more likely to undergo an amputation compared to women.
Hynes emphasized the preventable nature of many of these cases, stating, “Up to 85% of leg amputations related to diabetes can be prevented with early screening and timely access to primary and specialty care.”
Addressing Barriers to Care
The report highlights the importance of removing barriers that prevent people from accessing routine foot screenings and specialist care for diabetic ulcers. Many individuals in lower-income or remote areas struggle to connect with primary care providers, increasing their risk of complications.
“If an issue is detected during a screening, it’s critical to access specialty care quickly,” Hynes said. “This includes treatments like wound care and antibiotics, which can prevent the need for amputations.”
Moving Forward: Reducing Amputation Rates
The CIHI report underscores the need for targeted resources to improve diabetes care, particularly in underserved communities. With better access to early intervention and preventive measures, Manitoba can work towards reducing the high number of diabetes-related leg amputations.
Source: Swifteradio.com
