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Abstract The Relationship between Documented Foot Care and Amputation Rates in Native Americans with Diabetes on Two Midwest Reservations Virginia Cozad 1997 Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is epidemic among the Native American population. In the Aberdeen Area Indian Health Service (AAIHS, 1991). Complications accompanying NIDDM are also more prevalent in the Native American population, including diabetic foot ulceration. Whether the ulcer is from neuropathy and/or impaired vasculature, the outcome for many NIDDM patients is amputation. This study was a review of records, for the purpose of examining the relationship between documentation of foot care and amputation rates. A checklist of elements which comprise a basic foot exam was compiled so that a greater score indicates better care. The hypothesis was that better documentation would be associated with a lower amputation rate.
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