The tip of the iceberg: an overview of diabetic foot disease

Br J Community Nurs. 2021 Mar 1;26(Sup3):S14-S18. doi: 10.12968/bjcn.2021.26.Sup3.S14.

Abstract

Diabetic foot disease is the leading cause of lower-extremity amputation globally and imposes a significant burden for healthcare services and patients alike. The main pathology is ulceration, due to neuropathy or peripheral arterial disease. The most frequent sign is ulceration on the foot. Ulceration needs to be referred to the multidisciplinary diabetic foot team promptly for a comprehensive management plan to be developed. Delay in referral is associated with poor outcomes. Management of diabetic foot ulceration is multifaceted, including offloading, revascularisation, infection control, debridement, glycaemic control and wound care. Management plans need to be patient focused and developed collaboratively across primary and secondary care settings.

Keywords: Diabetes; Diabetic foot disease; Multidisciplinary diabetic foot team; Neuropathic disease; Ulceration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amputation, Surgical
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Diabetic Foot* / therapy
  • Foot
  • Foot Diseases*
  • Humans
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease*