Progression of disease preceding lower extremity amputation in Denmark: a longitudinal registry study of diagnoses, use of medication and healthcare services 14 years prior to amputation.

Among patients with non-traumatic lower extremity amputation, one-third live with undiagnosed and untreated atherosclerosis and one-sixth suffer from undiagnosed diabetes despite continuous contacts to general practitioner and the hospital. This study emphasises a need for enhanced focus, among both hospital clinicians and general practitioners, on the early identification of atherosclerosis and diabetes.