Claessen H, et al. - In this nationwide study, researchers estimated annual lower-extremity amputation (LEA) rates and trends in individuals with and without diabetes in Belgium. They used data from the Belgian national health insurance funds, covering more than 99% of the Belgian population. For individuals with diabetes between 2009 and 2013, the risk of undergoing a major LEA in Belgium gradually declined, which was particularly evident for major amputations above the knee. In people without diabetes, the major amputation rate remained unchanged. Thus, the relative risk comparing people with and without diabetes decreased, but remained elevated. In individuals with and without diabetes, a significant but weaker reduction was noted for minor amputation.