Reviewed September 8, 2026 · Each estimate is linked to its source and reporting year.
Behind every number is a person trying to keep moving through the world. These figures describe the scale of diabetes and diabetic foot disease—and why preventing the next wound matters.
Diabetes: the scale of the challenge
Adults aged 20–79 living with diabetes worldwide in 2024.
People with diabetes in the United States, as reported by CDC in 2026.
U.S. adults with prediabetes, as reported by CDC in 2026.
Adults aged 20–79 projected to be living with diabetes worldwide by 2050.
The global IDF estimate covers adults aged 20–79; the CDC diabetes total covers the U.S. population. These are different populations and reporting periods.
Diabetic foot ulcers: wounds, recurrence, and limb loss
People affected by a diabetic foot ulcer worldwide each year, including approximately 1.6 million in the United States.
Estimated ulcer recurrence after healing, rising to 65% at five years.
Of diabetic foot ulcers become infected; about 20% of moderate to severe infections lead to lower-extremity amputation.
Of lower-extremity amputations among people diagnosed with diabetes are preceded by a foot ulcer.
These are population estimates summarized in a 2023 review. Outcomes vary with the population, wound severity, circulation, infection, and access to care.
Healing is the beginning of remission
A closed wound deserves celebration—and a plan for what comes next. The high rate of recurrence is why our work emphasizes sustained prevention and ulcer-free, hospital-free, activity-rich days.
Explore the IWGDF guidelines and IWGDF/IDSA infection guideline, or visit our foot-health resource directory.
Place, access, and opportunity
SALSA is based at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Explore The ZIP Code Lottery for the relationship between geography and limb preservation, and Global Impact for our wider network of collaboration.
Historical teaching materials
These dated blog articles document earlier data and ideas. Use the source-linked figures above for the current reference summary.
Nice Infographic about Diabetic Foot, Definitely it is helpful.