Prevalence and Incidence of Diabetes-Related Peripheral Neuropathy, Peripheral Artery Disease, Foot Ulcers and Lower Extremity Amputations in Ireland; A Systematic Review.

Only three studies met inclusion criteria for prevalence and incidence of diabetes-related foot disease in Ireland, representing a total of 145,945 participants.

• Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Lenus the Irish Health Research Repository for peer-reviewed articles published until August 2025.
• The Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool was used to assess methodological quality.
• High heterogeneity was noted across populations and outcome measurement methods among included studies.
• PROSPERO registration: CRD42023472904.

Peripheral neuropathy prevalence in community-based diabetes populations in Ireland ranged from 15% to 39%.

• This estimate was based on a combined sample of n=1055 from community-based diabetes populations.
• Varying outcome measurement methods were used across studies contributing to this range.
• These findings suggest prevalence is similar to, if not lower than, global rates of peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral artery disease prevalence in community-based diabetes populations in Ireland ranged from 18% to 34%.

• This estimate was based on a sample of n=383 from community-based diabetes populations.
• Varying outcome measurement methods were used across contributing studies.
• These findings suggest prevalence is similar to, if not lower than, global rates of peripheral artery disease outcomes.

The prevalence of a history of foot ulcers was 3.7% and the annual incidence was 2.6% in community-based diabetes populations in Ireland.

• The foot ulcer prevalence estimate (3.7%) was based on a sample of n=563.
• The annual foot ulcer incidence estimate (2.6%) was based on a sample of n=383.
• Both estimates came from community-based diabetes populations.

Incidence of lower extremity amputation in people with diabetes in Ireland increased from 144.2 to 175.7 per 100,000 people with diabetes between 2005 and 2009.

• This finding came from one national population-based study with n=144,710 participants.
• This was the largest single study included in the review.
• Amputation incidence outcomes were suggested to be similar to, if not lower than, global rates.

There is a paucity of information on the prevalence and incidence of diabetes-related foot disease in Ireland, highlighting the need for robust studies and consensus on outcome assessment.

• High heterogeneity in populations and outcomes was identified across included studies.
• The authors recommend establishing a national diabetes register to strengthen surveillance, identify high-risk groups, and inform cost-effective public health planning.
• Up-to-date population-level estimates were described as imperative to support appropriate health service planning.
• The review identified a need for consensus on diabetes-related foot outcome assessment methods.