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Diabetes

Tissue Viability

Assessment of diabetic foot ulcers: back to basics

22 February 2024

Diabetic Foot

02 February 2024

Volume 33 · Issue 4

ISSN (print): 0966-0461

ISSN (online): 2052-2819

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulceration affects up to 34% of the global diabetic population as a result of poor glycaemic control. Complications resulting from diabetic foot ulceration can be complex, expensive and challenging. It is important for risk factors to be recognised early and for regular assessment to take place. Streamlining a coordinated approach that enhances communication and guides treatment approaches can help to improve wound outcomes.

It is estimated that diabetes affects 537 million people worldwide and, as a result of poor glycaemic control, diabetic foot ulceration affects up to 34% of the global diabetic population (Schaper et al, 2020). The impact of complications resulting from diabetic foot ulceration can be complex, expensive and challenging. It is important for risk factors to be recognised early and for regular assessment to take place. Streamlining a coordinated approach that enhances communication and guides treatment can help to improve wound outcomes. This is a back-to-basics paper on the assessment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) for clinical practice.

Poorly controlled diabetes frequently results in complications that predominantly affect the lower limbs, presenting complex and expensive challenges. One of the most typical complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes is the development of DFUs. It is estimated that between 19% and 34% of the global diabetic population will experience a DFU in their lifetime (Armstrong et al, 2017), with the global prevalence being higher among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This discrepancy may reflect the younger age, longer disease duration and limitations in research specific to cohorts of people with type 1 diabetes (Zhang et al, 2017).

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Diabetic foot ulcers

Wound care

Assessment

Management