Kevin Wang Sun

Mr. Kevin Wang Sun


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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3 March 2026 in Diabetology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CTCarrie Tackett
Carrie Tackett
KSKevin Wang Sun
Kevin Wang Sun
CSChia-Ding Shih
Chia-Ding Shih
LSLaura Shin
Laura Shin
EMElizabeth Miranda
Elizabeth Miranda
TTTze-Woei Tan
Tze-Woei Tan
Background: Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are a major cause of hospitalization, limb loss, and mortality among patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). This study evaluated the risk of developing DFIs among patients with newly diagnosed DFUs across insurance categories. Methods: Adults ≥18 years with a new DFU diagnosis were identified in the PearlDiver insurance claims database (2010–2020) using validated ICD-9/10 codes. Insurance status at the index DFU was categorized as Medicaid, Medicare, commercial, or self-pay. Propensity score matching (1:3) based on age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and major comorbidities was used to compare Medicaid vs. non-Medicaid patients. Results: Among 258,122 patients with new DFUs, 20,638 (8.0%) were Medicaid beneficiaries. Medicaid patients were younger (50.1 ± 10.2 vs. 60.6 ± 12.1 years, p < 0.001) but had similar comorbidity burden compared with commercially insured and Medicare patients. In matched analysis post-matching, Medicaid insurance was independently associated with higher odds of DFI-related hospitalization within 12 months (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.14–1.24) and major amputation at 3 years (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.39–2.13). Higher CCI, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, COPD, and peripheral vascular disease also predicted adverse outcomes. Conclusions: Medicaid insurance was independently associated with increased risks of DFI and major amputation among patients with newly diagnosed DFUs. These findings highlight infection as a potentially modifiable pathway driving limb loss and emphasize the need to improve early ulcer evaluation and infection management for Medicaid beneficiaries.