The diabetic foot syndrome.10 years of experience of diabetic foot ward in Cracow

Abstract

The paper describes > 10-year activities of the Diabetic Foot Centre of the Department of Metabolic Diseases. The pathophysiology of the diabetic foot syndrome, nature of the disease and most common clinical manifestations have also been presented. The need for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of such patients was emphasized. Advantages of the proposed model and difficulties encountered in our healthcare system were identified. The organizational structure, equipment, and 11-year results were discussed. The way how to gain experience and carry out educational and research activities was also summarized. In conclusion, the main argument for the efficacy of the proposed model is a high rate of cure and low rate of amputation meaning that even without administrative backup it is possible to achieve positive results to the benefit of affected patients.