QJM Advance Access originally published online on March 18, 2008
QJM 2008 101(9):685-695; doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcn027
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The diabetic foot
From the 1Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Morriston Hospital and 2Diabetes Research Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
Address correspondence to Dr M.P. Khanolkar, Specialist Registrar in Diabetes, Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Morriston Hospital, Swansea SA6 6NL, UK. email: khanolkar{at}doctors.org.uk
Received 2 January 2008 and in revised form 7 February 2008
| Abstract |
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Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions and with it carries the risk of complications. Disease of the foot is among one of the most feared complications of diabetes. The ultimate endpoint of diabetic foot disease is amputation, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, besides having immense social, psychological and financial consequences. As the majority of amputations are preceded by foot ulceration, it is crucial to identify those at an increased risk. Diabetic foot ulcers may develop as a result of neuropathy, ischaemia or both and when infection complicates a foot ulcer, the combination can become limb and life threatening. Structural abnormalities such as calluses, bunions, hammer toes, claw toes, flat foot and rocker bottom foot need to be identified and managed.