The Use of Acticoat Moisture Control for the Successful Treatment of Diabetic Ulcers

Abstract

Diabetic ulcerations can be a serious clinical obstacle for wound care specialists. The risk of lower extremity amputations is 15 to 46 times higher for patients with diabetes than for patients without diabetes. Foot ulcerations are most prevalent in the digits, especially the dorsal and plantar surface of the foot; 15% of people with diabetes develop foot ulcers during their lifetime. Chronic foot ulcers preceded 70% to 80% of all diabetes-related amputations. Peripheral neuropathy is a common, chronic complication of diabetes and is frequently the initiating cause of lesions and foot and leg amputations. An estimated 60% to 70% of patients with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy, 15% to 20% have peripheral vascular disease, and 15% to 20% have both. These factors, along with repetitive stress to the affected foot, all hinder the healing process, often resulting in infection. Foot infections are a frequent cause of limb loss and morbidity in patients with diabetes. They are at risk for infections because of high blood glucose levels, along with neuropathy and limited blood flow caused by vascular disease. Amputation is often a consequence, leading to large medical costs. Primary amputations in the United States can cost from $25,000 to more than $40,000 per procedure in some cases, and these figures do not include prostheses, rehabilitation, loss of income, and, frequently, loss of jobs. It has been estimated that 50% to 75% of lower extremity amputations could be prevented by modifying risk factors and improving care among individuals with diabetes. As a result, proper care of diabetic foot ulcers should include early detection, proper treatment, education, prevention, and general compliance with their healthcare providers.