Managing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes

Over 1 million people in the UK have diabetes mellitus, of whom around 7-10% will, at some point, develop a foot ulcer. These ulcers, which in severe cases extend to muscle and bone, are prone to infection and can lead to gangrene and may necessitate amputation. Around 85% of amputations in people with diabetes are preceded by persistent foot ulcers. Here, we review the management of such ulcers.