Foot ulceration, infection, and gangrene leading causes of hospitalization for patients with diabetes mellitus. Approximately fifteen percent of all patients with diabetes will develop a foot or leg ulceration at some time during the course of their disease. National Hospital Discharge Survey data. Reported in 1995 indicates that chronic ulcers were present in 2.7% of all diabetes related hospitalizations and 46% of all hospitalizations listing any ulcer condition. Lower extremity amputation (LEA) is a major complication of diabetes and is preceded by foot ulceration in approximately 80% of cases. Consequently, ulceration has consistently been implicated as a major risk factor for diabetic gangrene and subsequent amputation. In 1994 there were 67,000 hospital discharges for non-traumatic LEA at a rate of 8.2 per 1000 persons with diabetes. A thorough knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology and interactions among risk factors for lower extremity lesions is essential for their appropriate management. Contributory factors must be controlled or optimized to promote healing of the lesions initially, followed by ongoing surveillance and control to prevent recurrences. Multidisciplinary team management is a key factor in the successful care of these patients and has lead to significant reductions in the incidence of lower extremity amputations in centers around the world.
Learning Objectives: 1. Analyze statistics concerning diabetic pathologies which lead to amputation. 2. Access services which provide care to the diabetic. 3. Recognize there are other health care professionals who are providing diabetic care whether related to the foot or other aspects of diabetic health care. 4. Identify other health care specialties which serve the needs of the diabetic population. 5. Develop a multi-disciplinary approach to serving the diabetic patient
Keywords: Epidemiology, Diabetes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.