Lower extremity amputations among persons with diabetes mellitus--Washington, 1988.

Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of lower extremity amputations (LEAs) in the United States, accounting for approximately 50% of all nontraumatic LEAs. To assist public health programs in preventing diabetes-related LEAs in Washington state, the diabetes-control program of the Washington Department of Health characterizes LEAs. This report summarizes an analysis of the incidence of LEAs during 1988 among Washington residents with and without diabetes.