Management of diabetic foot ulcers and the challenging points: An endocrine view

Hakan Doğruel; Mustafa Aydemir; Mustafa Kemal Balci

doi:10.4239/wjd.v13.i1.27

Management of diabetic foot ulcers and the challenging points: An endocrine view

World J Diabetes. 2022 Jan 15;13(1):27-36. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v13.i1.27.

Authors

Hakan Doğruel¹, Mustafa Aydemir², Mustafa Kemal Balci³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Akdeniz University Hospital, Konyaaltı 07059, Antalya, Turkey. dogruelhakan@gmail.com.
² Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Akdeniz University Hospital, Konyaaltı 07059, Antalya, Turkey.
³ Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Konyaaltı 07059, Antalya, Turkey.

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are one of the most challenging complications of diabetes. Up to one-third of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) may suffer from DFUs during their life. DFU is one of the leading causes of morbidity in patients with DM. The treatment period is challenging, and the recurrence rate of DFUs is high. Hence, establishing prevention strategies is the most important point to be emphasized. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary in the prevention and treatment of DFUs. Patients at risk should be identified, and prevention measures should be taken based on the risk category. Once a DFU is formed, the appropriate classification and evidence-based treatment interventions should be executed. Glycemic control, diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease, local wound care, diagnosis, and treatment of infection should be addressed along with the proper evaluation and management of general health status.

Keywords: Amputation; Diabetic foot; Diabetic foot infection; Diabetic foot ulcer.

Publication types

Review