Abstract

Foot ulcers are a major cause of diability, morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes. The three major etiological factors for diabetik foot ulcers are peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease and infection. Tight control of blood glucose and proper foot care are essential for prevention of foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations. Theoretically, if diabetes is well controlled, it should possible to avoid these foot problems. However, as it is not always possible to achieve good diabetic control and as severe neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease cannot be easily reversed, many people with diabetes are at risk of developing foot problems. Therefore it is important to know how best to minimize the risk of foot problems and how best to treat them. For people with diabetes who have not yet developed active infection or ulceration, the important thing is to grade the degree of the risk and then to provide them with appropriate foot care education to minimize the risk of developing active foot problems.