Vol 9, No 1 (2008): Practical Diabetology
Review article
Published online: 2008-04-01

open access

Page views 930
Article views/downloads 4219
Get Citation

Connect on Social Media

Connect on Social Media

Early dedection of diabetic foot syndrome

Teresa Koblik
Diabetologia Praktyczna 2008;9(1):48-53.

Abstract

Prevention and early detection of the diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) may reduce markedly the number of lower limb amputations and diabetes-related disability. Patient education and proper shoe selection is the mainstay of prevention. Early detection of the DFS is feasible if we are aware of the cascade of events leading to limb injury i.e. we understand the etiology, causative factors and risk factors. The next step is clinical assessment including a history, clinical examinations, screening for neuropathy and evaluation of the vessels. Regular foot examinations allow for early detection of lesions that may result in foot ulceration and infection. Then the patient is allocated to a specific risk category for developing complications such as ulcers and/or infection to determine the intensity of case management. The risk of the DFS can be defined according to PEDIS, University of Texas, Wagner or International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot 2007. The key determinant of early detection of the DFS is a well educated patient and a well educated doctor who respects the guidelines of the Polish Diabetological Society. (Diabet. Prakt. 2008; 9: 48-53)

Article available in PDF format

View PDF Download PDF file