Active Screening, Comprehensive Evaluation, Tiered Diagnosis and Management of Diabetic Foot: Essentials of Screening, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Diabetic foot is a major cause of diabetes-related disability and mortality, which imposes a tremendous social and economic burden on individuals and society due to high recurrence rate and healthcare expenditure. Diabetic foot ulcer is the most common manifestation of diabetic foot, and the main reason of limb amputation. Complicated disease state, poor general physical conditions, severe infection, and poor outcomes are the features of Chinese patients with diabetic foot ulcer.Moreover, inadequate screening and evaluation, as well as nonstandard diagnosis and treatment still exist clinically. This commentary highlights the value of active screening and early intervention for patients with a high risk of diabetic foot, comprehensive evaluation for diabetic foot patients, using a multidisciplinary approach for tiered diagnosis and treatment, and new model for the management of diabetic foot under regular containment of COVID-19. Copyright © 2021 by the Chinese General Practice.