Comprehensive care of the diabetic foot

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness with several serious long-term complications. Ranking high among these disabling complications are diabetic foot ulcers, which often become infected and lead to amputation. Once amputation in one limb has occurred, the opposite limb's prognosis becomes poor. Angiopathy and neuropathy are common complications in the diabetic foot and increase susceptibility to chronic ulcers. In this article, the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus affecting the foot has been reviewed, and multiple treatment plans have been outlined, including conservative and surgical. Nurses are logical health care coordinators for clients with diabetic foot ulcers, with a focus on early screening, assessment, and education.