Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Synopsis of the Epidemiology and Pathophysiology

Abstract

Over 415 million people had diabetes in 2015 and the number is projected to increase in the coming years. The complications of diabetes affect millions of people all over the world and diabetic foot is one of the most common. The global prevalence of diabetic foot varies significantly and a reasonable proportion of cases end up in amputation. Despite interventions at various levels, it continues to be a menacing issue in the overall management of diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is classified as neuropathic, ischemic or neuro-ischemic. Neuropathic ulcers originate in the setting of diabetic neuropathy while ischemic ulcers are secondary to vascular disease. Infections and the intrinsic delayed wound healing that characterizes diabetes are important considerations in the pathophysiology of DFU. The prevention of DFU involves adequate glycemic control and modification of risk factors. While health education is a fundamental obligation of health care professionals, it is paramount that patients adopt the guidelines of feet care and integrate them into daily life in trying to prevent diabetic foot and its consequences. The aim of this review article is to summarize the epidemiology, pathophysiology and prevention of diabetic foot ulcer.