Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs), among the most common complication of diabetes, impose a significant burden on both patients and healthcare systems. No prior studies have assessed the economic impact of DFUs management in Algeria. This study aims to estimate the direct medical costs of DFU treatment and project their evolution over the next five years.
METHODS: This retrospective and prospective study involved a random selection of 118 patients admitted to Mustapha Bacha University Hospital from January 2024 to March 2025. The total cost of DFU was estimated using patient level data on medical expenses along with epidemiological (prevalence of diabetes and DFU) and demographic data to extrapolate findings to the national scale. All data analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel (Version 2021).
RESULTS: The annual median cost of DFU management was estimated at 3,790.97 euros per patient, at the exchange rate of the 26 November 2025. Over the next five years, this expenditure could reach up to 14.48 billion euros considering the projected growth of the diabetic population affected by DFU, estimated at around 791,047 patients by 2029, with an expected increase of 7,18%.
CONCLUSIONS: Certain limitations were encountered during this study. The lack of digitization of patient files hindered data collection, leading to their exclusion. Irregular follow-ups or consultations in other establishments (public or private) may also influence the cost of DFU management. This study highlights the significant economic burden that DFUs represent in Algeria and emphasizes the need to implement national prevention strategies, raise awareness and optimize healthcare resource management.