Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), among the most common complications of diabetes, represent a significant burden for patients and healthcare systems. No previous study has assessed the economic impact of DFU 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 diabetic bladder ulcers was estimated using patient medical expenditure data, as well as epidemiological (prevalence of diabetes and diabetic bladder ulcers) and demographic data, in order to extrapolate the results to the national scale. All data analyses were performed with Microsoft Excel (version 2021).
RESULTS: The median annual cost of DFU management was estimated at €3,811.43 per patient, at the exchange rate of June 21, 2025. Over the next five years, these expenses could reach €14.56 billion given the projected growth of the diabetic population affected by DFUs, estimated at approximately 791,047 patients by 2029, with an expected increase of 7.18%. Some limitations were encountered during this study. The lack of digitization of patient records hampered data collection, leading to their exclusion. Irregular follow-ups or consultations in other institutions (public or private) may also influence the cost of DFU management.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significant economic burden of UTDs in Algeria and underlines the need to implement national prevention strategies, raise awareness and optimize the management of health resources.