Diabetes-associated lower limb amputations in Manitoba have skyrocketed in recent years, according to a new report published by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).
The study revealed that between 2020 and 2023, Manitoba saw more than double the national average of diabetes-associated leg amputations — 19 per 100,000 age-standardized rates, compared with nine per 100,000 across Canada.
Geoff Hynes, CIHI’s population health manager said that works out to about 200 leg amputations every year.
“We see very high rates in communities that are rural and remote,” Hynes told CTV News.
“It’s alarming,” said Toni Tilston-Jones, Youville Community Health Centre executive director. “I’m not surprised.”
Communities consisting of low-income households are also disproportionately affected, along with some ethnic groups.
“Their choice is: Do I buy this food or do I buy this medication?” Tilston-Jones said. “Indigenous communities, Indigenous individuals, newcomers from various countries of origins as well, and then, you …