A Comparative Review Analysis of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in the India and United States

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are one of the most serious consequences of diabetes mellitus, contributing significantly to infection, hospitalization, lower-limb amputation, decreased quality of life, and healthcare expenses. The burden of DFUs in India and the US between 2020 and 2025 is compared in this review, with an emphasis on prevalence, incidence, risk factors, clinical features, sequelae, and economic effects. The prevalence of DFUs is estimated to be around 6.3% worldwide, with the United States reporting a greater frequency (around 13%) than the pooled estimate for India (6.2%). India's vast population of diabetics results in a significant absolute burden, with significant regional and healthcare setting variations, notwithstanding the country's reported lower frequency. While neuro-ischemic ulcers are more commonly described in Western populations, DFUs in India are primarily neuropathic. Longer duration of diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, advanced age, male sex, infection, and poor foot care are important risk factors. In both countries, DFUs often lead to amputation, delayed recovery, recurrence, and substantial financial burden. However, direct comparisons are limited by variations in demographic characteristics, study methodologies, diagnostic techniques, and healthcare availability. Early screening, patient education, appropriate foot care, pressure offloading, infection control, vascular evaluation, and multidisciplinary care are all necessary for effective prevention.To produce accurate estimates and improve DFU prevention and clinical outcomes in India and the US, community-based surveillance must be strengthened and prospective studies must be carried out.