Current situation and progress of diabetic foot care in the Middle East and North Africa region.

AIM: Assessing the progress of diabetic foot care in the MENA region.

METHODS

The "diabetic foot diseases" literature was searched using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free text. A questionnaire was filled by experts from each MENA region country. The 14 questions covered available foot care modalities and complications.

RESULTS

The number of publications is low but increasing with time. National registries are missing in most countries. Amputation rates are moderate to high. A wide diversity is noticed among countries. Wound care, revascularization and flaps/grafts are the mainstay of care in all countries. Advanced modalities are more frequently used in the Middle East than North Africa. Political stability, governmental vision and individual income affect the level of foot care.

CONCLUSIONS

The MENA region has the highest prevalence of diabetes among all international diabetes federation (IDF) regions. Research and publications are increasing with time. The standard diabetic foot management is in practice. New treatment modalities are launched, more or less rapidly, depending on multiple factors. The "diabetic foot" must be recognized as a disease entity. National registries for diabetic foot and amputations must be established. Health organizations and NGOs have a role to play in this region where citizens are undergoing amputations for financial reasons.