Work

Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Pakistan: A Silent Epidemic?—A Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes, leading to severe morbidity and high healthcare costs. Despite numerous studies on the prevalence of DFUs in Pakistan, the findings vary widely, making it difficult to obtain a clear estimate. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the overall prevalence of DFUs among diabetic patients in Pakistan, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the burden of this condition. METHODS: . Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were performed. Publication bias was assessed via a funnel plot and Egger's test. The meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model in Stata 17. RESULTS: In this meta-analysis, 16 studies with a total of 15,333 participants were analyzed. The pooled prevalence of DFUs was estimated at 18%, with a prevalence of 19.4% in Punjab and 16.6% in other regions. The prevalence was reported as 20.8% in men and 14.9% in women. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were highly stable. Meta-regression revealed a significant increasing trend in the prevalence of DFUs from 1999 to 2022. Although statistical tests confirmed the presence of publication bias, the trim-and-fill method suggested that its impact was negligible. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis provides a comprehensive estimate of the prevalence of DFUs, highlighting regional and gender differences. The findings show a significant increasing trend over time, emphasizing the growing burden of this condition. These results highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies and improved management of DFUs.

Source: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research

DOI: 10.1002/jfa2.70117

Authors: Reza Ghanei Gheshlagh, Mohammad Esmaeelzadeh, Kainat Asmat, Simin Sharafi

Institutions: Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Biruni University, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University

Language: English

Topic: Diabetic Foot Ulcer Assessment and Management

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,800