by Claire Kowalick, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Texas has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the country, with more than 2.7 million Texans diagnosed with the condition. About one in six people in San Antonio have type 2 diabetes, and a third of residents are prediabetic, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body cannot produce enough insulin or use insulin properly and, if left uncontrolled, can lead to high blood sugar, heart disease and kidney failure. It also predisposes people to foot ulcers, of which almost 50% become infected, subsequently leading to hospitalization and potentially amputation of part of the foot or a lower limb … full article
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Texas has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the country, with more than 2.7 million Texans diagnosed with the condition. This epidemic has significant implications for healthcare systems, particularly in the management of complications like diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). In San Antonio, where approximately one in six residents has type 2 diabetes and a third of the population is prediabetic, the risk of developing DFUs is alarmingly high.
Diabetic foot ulcers result from a combination of neuropathy, poor circulation, and impaired immune response, all of which are common in individuals with long-standing diabetes. Without proper intervention, these ulcers can progress to severe infections, leading to hospitalizations, amputations, and increased mortality rates. Given the high prevalence of diabetes in Texas, hospitals and wound care centers face mounting challenges in treating and preventing these wounds effectively.
The economic burden of DFUs is also substantial. Studies indicate that treating a single DFU can cost tens of thousands of dollars, with the total cost of diabetic foot care in the U.S. exceeding billions annually. In areas like San Antonio, where diabetes rates are disproportionately high, local healthcare facilities must prioritize specialized wound care services, early detection, and preventive measures such as total contact casting (TCC) to offload pressure from wounds and enhance healing.
Community-wide initiatives are essential to combat this growing crisis. Increasing awareness about proper foot care, expanding access to podiatric and wound care specialists, and implementing preventive strategies—such as routine screenings for neuropathy and peripheral artery disease (PAD)—can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of DFUs. Additionally, addressing social determinants of health, such as limited access to quality healthcare, lower socioeconomic status, and dietary challenges, is crucial in mitigating the long-term consequences of diabetes-related foot complications.
As Texas continues to grapple with rising diabetes rates, proactive intervention and innovative wound care solutions will be key in preventing DFUs and improving patient outcomes.