Early predictors for lower extremity amputation in a diabetic population: results of a case-controlled study.

Lower extremity amputation is devastating to any person and is a very real complication for a diabetic. Identifying early risk factors is tantamount to saving a limb. This study used the national hospital discharge survey to identify 2206 control patients and 2098 diabetic patients with a lower extremity amputation. These patients were not limited based on gender or race as in previous studies. The results show that nephropathy and retinopathy are early predictors.