Pathogenesis and management of diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a major healthcare issue worldwide, and the trends keep rising. Diabetic foot ulcer is a morbidity associated with the disease process and causes significant impairment in quality of life due to its severe complications including infection, gangrene, and amputation. In this study, we aim to understand the pathogenesis of diabetic foot ulcer, its complications, and management strategies. We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE from January 1970 to March 2017. The following search terms were used: diabetic foot ulcer, complications of diabetes mellitus, foot gangrene, surgical debridement of foot ulcer, osteomyelitis. Diabetic foot ulcer is a common morbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus, which can lead to lower limb amputation unless a prompt, rational, multidisciplinary approach to therapy is taken. Proper management can ensure successful and fast healing which includes patient education, blood glucose control, wound debridement, advanced dressing, offloading, and surgery.