An Overview of the Diabetic Foot: Pathogenesis, Management and Prevention of Lesions

Diabetic foot problems are not very glamorous. Nevertheless, the diabetic foot is the most common complication of diabetes, greater than retinopathy, nephropathy, heart attack and stroke combined. Throughout the world, foot lesions and foot infections are the leading causes of hospitalization and prolonged hospital stays for diabetics. Diabetic foot ulceration is the result of trauma to an insensate foot. Infection frequently follows and unless there is aggressive intervention, amputation becomes the end point. The management of diabetic foot problems is complicated and frequently requires the attention of many specialists. The single most important factor in preventing amputation is detailed and repeated education of the patient in foot care. Physicians, clinics and hospitals who educate patients provide aggressive ulcer and infection treatment and who prescribe therapeutic shoes have reduced their amputation rate by 50%. This should be the goal of everyone involved in the management of the diabetic patient.