History of foot ulcer among persons with diabetes--United States, 2000-2002

Foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations (LEAs) are disabling complications of diabetes and lower extremity disease. In the United States, approximately 60% of all LEAs occur among persons with diabetes; of these LEAs, approximately 85% are preceded by a foot ulcer. To estimate the percentage of U.S. adults with diabetes who had a history of a foot ulcer, CDC analyzed data from the 2000-2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). This report summarizes the findings of that analysis, which indicate that persons with longer duration of diabetes who used insulin and who smoked were most likely to have a history of foot ulcer. Persons with diabetes can benefit from interventions that prevent or delay foot ulcer and LEAs.