CONCLUSION
Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in particular is both challenging and complex and requires a high level of commitment from both the patient and clinician. The importance of diabetic self-management programs is widely recognized, but there are still situations in which access to diabetes care and preventive care is lacking.
Interdisciplinary wound care teams have been proven successful in the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot care problems. Not only do wound care teams achieve better patient outcomes, they are also cost effective due to consolidation of services. The intervention of a wound care team improves patient quality of life and enhances physical and emotional well-being (Byrant & Nix, 2016; WOCN, 2022).
As soon as a patient is diagnosed with diabetes, intervention must begin with a foot assessment and patient education on foot care and wound prevention. Clinicians are aware that diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and Charcot osteoarthropathy may already be present, and signs and symptoms are thoroughly evaluated.
For patients who present with a diabetic foot ulcer, the goals are healing and treating infection, which often require advanced wound care modalities. If an amputation is required, the pre- and postoperative care of the patient must take into consideration both physical and psychological well-being. Prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation care aim to return the patient to active participation in society.
RESOURCES
Amputation and diabetes: how to protect your feet (Mayo Clinic)
Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE)
Diabetes and pedorthics (Pedorthic Footcare Association)
Diabetes: foot and skin related complications (Cleveland Clinic)
Diabetes foot complications (American Diabetes Association)
Diabetic foot problems (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society)
IDF Clinical Practice Recommendations on the Diabetic Foot (International Diabetes Federation)
What is a diabetic foot ulcer? (American Podiatric Medical Association)
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