The article suggests that Buerger's disease is uncommon when compared to diabetes.  Buerger's is actually a rare vasculitis so is uncommon everywhere.  It is more common in india and along the 'old silk route' than anywhere else. amputations are also much more common than 40% and occurs whether the patient ceases smoking or not. the difference being former smokers tend to have several smaller amputations progressing over a longer period of time before the disease eventually becomes fatal after about 12 years from presenting with major symptoms.