Diabetic Foot Infections and Problems in Guyana

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global metabolic disorder currently affecting more than 465 million people. If diagnosed late
or left untreated, DM can induce a number of long-term complications which are due to DM-induced hyperglycaemia leading to
nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, impotence, foot ulcers and amputations. Diabetic foot problems (DFB) are major concerns for the patients as they affect their quality of life and exert great financial burden on them, especially for people from a low income developing country as Guyana. In 2019, it was estimated that the expenditure for diagnosis, treatment and care for diabetic foot patients was USAD$75 million in Guyana. Both obesity and diabetes are on the increase in Guyana with almost 11 - 12% of the adult population have DM, due to obesity (diabesity) and more women compared to men. Moreover, there is an unacceptable high rate of amputations due to lack of organised foot-care programme and the absence of national guidelines in its management. There are various aspects of good diabetic foot care and this article now reviews what has been achieved and what needs prioritisation to improve the management of diabetic foot problems in Guyana among patients with diabetes mellitus. ’The Guyana Diabetes and Foot Care Project” has made significant improvement in this area but the lack of specialist vascular surgical service is obvious.