Diabetic foot ulcers are a common and serious complication of diabetes, caused by a combination of factors related to the underlying disease:
NEUROPATHY
High blood sugar levels can damage nerves in the extremities, leading to a loss of sensation in the feet. This means that individuals with diabetes may not feel injuries or pressure points, allowing ulcers to develop unnoticed.
PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE
Diabetes can also damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the extremities, which in turn impairs the body’s ability to heal wounds and fight infections.
FOOT DEFORMITIES
Diabetic individuals may develop foot deformities over time, such as bunions or claw toes, which increase the risk of pressure sores and ulcers.
POOR WOUND HEALING
Diabetes can affect the body’s ability to repair and regenerate tissues, making it difficult for ulcers to heal.
STATISTICS
In 2021 there were 537 million adults with diabetes, growing to 643 million by the end of the decade 1.
Between 15% and 25% of all diabetes patients will develop foot ulcers during their lifetime3.
TREATMENT
The standard of care for DFU is typically surgical debridement followed by dressings, to facilitate a moist wound environment and control exudate. Where possible, the foot should be off-loaded using appropriate footwear. Infection control is crucial. Innovation in diabetic foot ulcer management is often limited by the high cost of new therapies, which can limit accessibility of new treatments.
IMPACT
The impact of diabetic foot ulcers can be severe and wide-ranging, with outcomes that are comparable to cancer2
INFECTION
Untreated foot ulcers can become infected, leading to cellulitis, abscesses, or even bone infections (osteomyelitis). These infections can be limb-threatening and life-threatening if not managed promptly.
AMPUTATION
Diabetic foot ulcers are a leading cause of lower limb amputations. Serious infections or non-healing ulcers may necessitate amputation to prevent the spread of infection or gangrene.
REDUCED QUALITY OF LIFE
Individuals with diabetic foot ulcers often experience pain, restricted mobility, and a diminished quality of life due to the ongoing wound care and treatment required.
FINANCIAL BURDEN
Treating diabetic foot ulcers can be costly, both in terms of healthcare expenses and lost productivity due to disability2.
References:
1)IDF Atlas, 10th Edition, 2021
2)Armstrong DG, et al. Five year mortality and direct costs of care for people with diabetic foot complications are comparable to cancer. J Foot Ankle Res. 2020;13(1):16. 2020 Mar 24
3) Yazdanpanah L, et al. Incidence and Risk Factors of Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Population-Based Diabetic Foot Cohort (ADFC Study)-Two-Year Follow-Up Study. Int J Endocrinol. 2018;2018:7631659. Published 2018 Mar 15.