Diabetic Foot Screening: A Systematic Review of Global Guidelines and Questionnaire-Based Tools

Area of Science:

• Podiatry
• Endocrinology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes, leading to significant morbidity and healthcare costs.
• Early detection and prevention through diabetic foot screening (DFS) are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize current practices in diabetic foot screening (DFS) and risk stratification.
• To provide insights for improved clinical management of diabetic foot complications.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase for DFS guidelines and screening tools.
• Analysis of 15 included studies focusing on screening components, risk stratification, and assessment frequency.

Main Results:

• DFS guidelines commonly include neuropathy, vascular assessment, and visual inspection.
• Screening methods involve monofilament testing, vibration perception, pulse palpation, and sometimes ankle-brachial index.
• Risk stratification categorizes patients into low, moderate, or high risk, dictating screening frequency from quarterly to annually.

Conclusions:

• Standardized DFS guidelines and risk stratification models are essential for preventing diabetic foot ulcers.
• Integrating DFS with validated questionnaires into routine care can significantly enhance outcomes for diabetic patients.