Diabetic Foot Ulceration (DFU) is one of the most severe consequences of diabetes.
They are extremely common with approximately 15% of diabetics developing an ulcer during their lifetime. Between 5 and 20% of patients with a DFU will end up with a foot amputation. DFU's occur in patients with peripheral neuropathy and/or peripheral arterial disease. To achieve wound healing it is extremely important to understand that there is a spectrum of ulceration. Any patient with diabetic foot wound that is not improving with standard treatment must be carefully evaluated for peripheral arterial disease. The majority of foot wounds will have some component of ischemia (lack of blood flow). Failure to correct blocked arteries from peripheral arterial disease can result in prolonged wound healing or worse, amputation.
