Assessment of Diabetic Foot

Abstract

Diabetic Foot Complications are the main reason for hospitalization and amputation in people with diabetes. Globally ~435 million people have diabetes, with ~83–148 million of those estimated to develop foot ulcers in their lifetime. It is estimated that 16.8 million YLDs resulted from diabetic foot complications. Once an ulcer has developed, there is an increased risk of wound progression that may lead to amputation (~85% cases). In every 30 seconds, one lower limb amputation in diabetes patients occurs world-wide. The average cost for each amputation is over $70,000. American Podiatric Medical Association says that diabetic foot complications can be prevented by periodical Assessment of foot, which include visual inspection of bare foot; deformities, neurovascular abnormalities of foot and assessment of footwear. Relevant assessment and proactive foot care can reduce the burden of diabetic foot disease which will increase quality of life and reduce health care costs.