Diabetes is the leading cause of nontraumatic amputations. Although laboratory assessment may not alone determine the optimal level of amputation thorough assessment of a variety of laboratory values is critical to overall care of the patient and may place the patient into risk category. This systematic review analyzes publications related to diabetic lower extremity amputations and associated laboratory values, including lymphocyte count, albumin, hemoglobin, and glycemic control.

Levels of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level IV