Microcirculation of the Diabetic Foot

The National Diabetes Statistics in 2021 estimated that 38.4 million people have diabetes. The lifetime risk of developing a foot ulcer in patients with diabetes is more than 33%. About two-thirds of diabetic foot ulcers will eventually heal, but approximately 28% may result in some form of lower extremity amputation. Advanced wound care products, offloading techniques, minor surgeries, and revascularizations still leave wounds unhealed and require amputation. Research has pointed out that the dysfunction in the microcirculation may contribute to these failures. This article discusses techniques to evaluate and manage these microcirculation dysfunctions.