Indian diabetic-foot group proposes international alliance on survival and limb care

The Diabetic Foot Society of India has proposed the creation of a global alliance to improve survival and limb preservation among people affected by diabetic foot disease. The society sent its proposal to Zulfiqarali G. Abbas, president of the Pan-African Diabetic Foot Study Group.

It said the alliance would provide a sustained scientific and policy platform for prevention, early treatment, rehabilitation, surveillance, research and engagement with governments and the World Health Organization. The proposed members include the Indian society, King’s College London, the International Association of Diabetic Foot Surgeons, D-Foot International, the American Limb Preservation Society and the Pan-African group. In its letter, the Indian society described diabetic foot ulceration as an under-recognised cause of premature death, major amputation, recurrent illness, disability and social exclusion.

It said available evidence showed five-year mortality comparable with that of some cancers, while policy attention and organised support remained inadequate. The society intends to announce a shared intention to form the alliance at its national conference on October 2, 2026. It stressed that this would not mean the alliance had already been legally constituted or that participating institutions had accepted financial or contractual obligations.

Subject to the Pan-African group’s agreement, the society proposed holding a first founding meeting within 30 days of the conference. It also circulated a draft global declaration for consultation. The draft proposes recognition of diabetic foot disease as a major medical and public-health concern, common indicators and registries, and flagship programmes in at least two World Health Organization regions.

Its stated targets include reducing risk-adjusted five-year mortality after a new ulcer by 30% and potentially avoidable major amputations by 50% by 2030.