Therapeutic education patient in prevention of diabetic foot: a neglected opportunity

Abstract

It is estimated that by 2040 there will be over 642 million people with diabetes in the world and 80% of these people will live in developing countries.1 The diabetic foot syndrome are a source of high impact for the patients and societal cost. The frequency and severity of foot problems varies from region to region, due to differences in diabetes incidence and treatment, socio-economic conditions, use of protective shoes, and standards of foot care. Foot wounds are the most prevalent problem, with a yearly incidence of around 2‒4% in developed countries.2 With the lifetime incidence of foot ulcers occurring in up to 25% of patients,3 we need to shift our focus to prevent ulcers rather than to treat them. In developed countries, diabetes is the most responsible of non-traumatic amputation; about in 1% of people with diabetes occur a lower-limb amputation.4,5