Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot involves infection, ulceration, or tissue destruction in a person with current or previous diabetes, usually alongside neuropathy or peripheral artery disease. Inadequately managed diabetic foot ulcers can lead to infection, hospitalization, amputation, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication of poorly controlled, long-standing diabetes. Diabetic foot ulceration is described as a major but preventable diabetes complication. Diabetic foot ulcers are the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-extremity amputation. Diabetic foot ulcers account for a substantial share of diabetes-related costs, especially in developing countries. Nearly 88% of participants identified amputation of the affected foot as a common complication of diabetic foot ulcers. Patients with diabetic foot ulcers often reduce weight-bearing activity, which can cause musculoskeletal decline and worsen fall risk. Diabetic foot ulcers primarily occur on high-pressure plantar areas such as the heel, ball of the foot, and toe tips.