Diabetes is a growing global health issue, but in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, cases have surged dramatically in recent years, reaching alarmingly high levels. This rapid increase has led to severe complications, particularly diabetic foot syndrome (DFS). Without early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, patients face chronic wounds, infections, and even amputations.
In this article, we explore why diabetic foot is becoming a major health concern and how modern vascular diagnostics can help prevent severe complications.
Why Is Diabetes So Prevalent in These Regions?
The rapid rise in diabetes cases in the Middle East and Southeast Asia is driven by several factors:
- Lifestyle changes – Less physical activity and an unbalanced diet
- High obesity and metabolic disorder rates – Increasing diabetes risk
- Limited access to preventive healthcare and early screenings
The Diabetes Epidemic in the Middle East and Southeast Asia
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has one of the highest diabetes rates in the world, with nearly 1 in 6 adults affected. In Southeast Asia, cases are projected to rise by 74% by 2045.
Key Drivers of the Diabetes Surge:
- Urbanization & Sedentary Lifestyles – Reduced physical activity and increased consumption of processed foods
- High Sugar & Carbohydrate Intake – A common feature of many regional diets
- Lack of Preventive Screenings – Many diabetes cases remain undiagnosed until complications arise
Diabetic Foot: A Serious but Preventable Complication
One of the most severe consequences of diabetes is diabetic foot syndrome (DFS). Neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor circulation lead to unnoticed injuries that can develop into chronic wounds, infections, and, ultimately, amputations.
Alarming Statistics:
- Up to 25% of diabetics will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their lifetime.*
- 85% of diabetes-related amputations begin with an untreated foot wound.**
- Globally, up to 40% of all non-traumatic amputations are linked to diabetes—this trend is also reflected in the Middle East.
Early detection is critical to preventing these complications.
The Role of Vascular Diagnostics in Preventing Diabetic Foot Syndrome
One of the leading causes of diabetic foot complications is poor blood circulation. This makes regular vascular diagnostics essential for early risk detection.
Key Screening Methods for Early Detection:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) – A well-established method for assessing blood flow in the legs
- Pulse Wave Index (PWI™) – A blood pressure-independent alternative that detects circulatory issues even when ABI appears normal
- Tissue Optical Perfusion Pressure (TOPP) – Assesses microvascular blood flow in the feet, providing crucial insights for wound healing
Modern diagnostic systems like the AngE™ ABI+ provide:
- Fast & painless screening – Vascular check in under 1 minute
- Reliable measurements – Even in high-risk patients
- Delegable application & interpretation – Reducing physician workload
Challenges in the Region: The Need for More Awareness & Screening
In many parts of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, access to preventive care and vascular screenings remains limited. Many patients only seek medical attention once severe symptoms develop, leading to high hospitalization and amputation rates.
Key Actions for Better Care:
- Increased awareness of diabetic foot risks
- Expansion of screening programs for high-risk groups
- Improved access to modern diagnostic technologies
By integrating early vascular assessments into routine diabetes care, severe complications can be prevented, and patients’ quality of life improved. Every amputation due to diabetic foot is a preventable amputation.
Conclusion: The Future of Diabetic Foot Prevention
With diabetes cases rising in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, early detection and prevention are more critical than ever. Modern vascular diagnostics, including ABI, PWI™, and TOPP, enable physicians to detect circulatory disorders early and take preventive measures before complications arise.
Want to learn how SOT Medical Systems is transforming vascular diagnostics in diabetes care?
📩 Contact us for more information about our vascular screening solutions!
*Beulens, Joline W.J. et al.; 2021, Prognostic models for predicting the risk of foot ulcer or amputation in people with type 2 diabetes – Diabetologia – Full Text Download
**Robert Koch Institut; 2022, Diabetes Surveillance – Diabetesbedingte Amputationen
