We thank Patel et al. for their correspondence and interest in the research. We absolutely agree that indication for amputation and revascularisation is a key component to understanding the differential rates. However, HES does not collect data of sufficient quality to allow such analysis. To fully understand these inequalities, a prospective longitudinal study is required. Our research, therefore, should be viewed as hypothesis generating and a stimulus for work into this poorly understood public health problem.
Declarations
Competing interests
None declared.