Surgical treatment of diabetic foot ulcers during the COVID-19 pandemic in China

J Diabetes Complications. 2020 Sep;34(9):107622. doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2020.107622. Epub 2020 May 14.

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers are among the most serious complications of diabetes. If left untreated, these ulcers can lead to severe infection and gangrene; in some instances, they may result in death. Thus, timely treatment of diabetic foot ulcers is extremely important. However, timely patient treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging, because of the higher volume of patients and the need to ensure safety of medical personnel. This article describes a proposed strategy for diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, based on experiences with infection and control strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

Keywords: COVID-19; Diabetes; Diabetic foot ulcer; SARS-CoV-2.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • China
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Diabetic Foot / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / organization & administration*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • SARS-CoV-2