A Novel Diabetic Limb Preservation Initiative

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and lower extremity amputations are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in individuals with diabetes. Among patients undergoing active cancer treatment, the risks are compounded by immunosuppression, peripheral neuropathy, and vascular complications. Even minor foot infections or wounds in these patients can necessitate the suspension of cancer therapy, with potentially life-threatening consequences. This study evaluated the impact of integrating symptom-focused patient education with coordinated podiatric care to reduce DFUs and amputations in this high-risk population with concurrent cancer and diabetes.

A five-year retrospective review was conducted at a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center as part of the Novel Limb Preservation Initiative. The cohort included patients with Type II diabetes undergoing treatment for prostate, breast, colorectal, lymphoma, leukemia, thyroid, or lung cancers. Patients were assigned targeted educational modules based on self-reported diabetic foot symptoms. Podiatric care was individualized according to each patient's signs and symptoms, including routine diabetic foot examinations and close, timely monitoring when indicated.

The intervention yielded a DFU incidence of 2.8% and an amputation rate of 0.43%, both lower than national benchmarks. Enhanced patient engagement through diabetic foot symptom-focused education and earlier detection of foot complications-including diabetic foot issues that may appear minor to laypersons-contributed to these improved outcomes.

Integrating diabetic foot symptom-focused education with proactive podiatric monitoring significantly reduced DFUs and amputations in this high-risk population. This model, developed under the Novel Limb Preservation Initiative, offers a scalable strategy for broader implementation, particularly in high-risk communities, including Hispanic, African American, low socioeconomic, and rural populations across the United States.