Etiology, diagnosis, complications, and treatments of diabetic foot

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus, accompanied by infection, ulcer, deformity, and neuropathic arthropathy. The prevalence of diabetic foot is approximately 10% to 20% in adult diabetic patients over 30 years. Patients with diabetic foot show decreased life quality due to long-term treatment and hospital admission for various complications. Therefore, it is important to understand the etiology of diabetic foot and to prevent the accompanying complications. Current Concepts: Multiple complications of diabetic foot such as ulcers, infections, and deformities are derived from neuropathy (sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves) and angiopathy. Careful physical and radiologic examinations and laboratory evaluations are necessary to diagnose diabetic foot. Dressings, surgical decompressions, antibiotics, and vascular interventions are helpful for the treatment of ulcers in diabetic foot. Maintaining proper blood glucose levels and medication help control the neuropathies. Furthermore, patients should be educated on careful foot care to prevent complications. Discussion and Conclusion: Diabetic foot and its accompanying complications are difficult to treat and decrease patients’ quality of life. To prevent complications of diabetic foot, management of blood glucose, patient education on self-foot care, screening of high-risk factors, and cooperation of various medical specialists are needed. Key Words: Diabetic foot; Etiology; Diagnosis; Treatment; Complications