incidence of diabetic foot

Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

Updated on August 31, 2024

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As the number of diabetic patients increases, the incidence of diabetic foot also rises. Currently, the prevalence of diabetic foot in China is 5.7%, which is below the global average. Diabetic foot primarily occurs in patients who have had diabetes for over ten years, often due to poor blood sugar control and inadequate care. Diabetic foot is also one of the three major non-traumatic causes of amputation. Therefore, the most severe consequence of diabetic foot is amputation.

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What are the early symptoms of diabetic foot?

Diabetic foot is a complication of diabetes, relatively late-stage and severe. One of the most dreadful consequences it can cause is amputation, leading to lifelong disability. Many patients worry about developing diabetic foot and should pay attention to the early stages of diabetic foot, which actually manifest as changes in the blood vessels and nerves. For example, vascular changes can make certain areas of the skin appear whiter and cooler, and the pulsation of the dorsal artery of the foot may weaken. Nerve changes are characterized by numbness, tingling, or alternating sensations of heat and cold in the foot, as well as other abnormal sensations. These are all signs of complications and early manifestations.

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What to do if diabetic foot ulcer occurs?

If diabetic foot ulceration occurs, the most important first step is surgical debridement to remove necrotic tissue and thoroughly clean the wound. If the ulceration is particularly severe and there is gangrene, and the foot can no longer be preserved, amputation may even be necessary. Secondly, anti-infection treatment should be administered, choosing sensitive antibiotics. The third step is to control the underlying condition; treatment must control blood sugar levels to avoid hyperglycemia, as high blood sugar serves as a culture medium for bacteria. Fourth, it is necessary to improve local blood circulation; diabetic foot often coexists with arteriosclerosis of the lower limb arteries, even leading to occlusion. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the circulation of local blood vessels and open up the vessels. Fifth, the nutritional treatment of peripheral nerves must be improved. Treatment of diabetic foot is a comprehensive approach.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi

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Symptoms of diabetic foot

The symptoms of diabetic foot can be categorized into those without wounds, commonly referred to as stage 0 diabetic foot. The main symptoms of stage 0 diabetic foot include lower limb paralysis, pain, intermittent claudication, severe lancinating pain, and other sensory abnormalities. This is what constitutes a stage 0 diabetic foot. Stages 1 to 5 of diabetic foot progressively involve wound ulceration, typically presenting as progressive ulceration, pain, and exudation. Therefore, it is recommended for diabetic foot patients to seek timely treatment from an endocrinology specialist, and to use medications under the guidance of a doctor to avoid worsening of diabetic foot infections and to prevent severe consequences.

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Can diabetic foot be cured?

Diabetic foot can potentially be cured, and it can improve, but it depends on the specific circumstances. Diabetic foot varies in severity and is classified into different levels. In medical terms, it is classified based on its appearance, and different classifications have different prognoses. Even within the same classification, factors like the patient's vascular condition, baseline nutritional status, age, duration of diabetes, and many other factors can influence whether diabetic foot can be cured. In clinical practice, there are many diabetic foot patients who, after comprehensive treatment, achieve complete wound healing. Therefore, whether diabetic foot can be cured depends on many factors.

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Written by Yang Li

Endocrinology

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Care of diabetic foot wounds

In terms of caring for diabetic foot wounds, medical treatment, surgical intervention, or debridement is of course necessary. Regarding foot care, it's important to examine the condition of the wound. The primary principle is first, in dietary care, to ensure a high protein diet under the allowance of liver and kidney functions, and then a low-fat diet. It's important to include high-quality protein, which is beneficial for wound healing. Locally, the wound area must be kept clean and dry. It is crucial to maintain a concept of sterility, avoiding actions like breathing over the wound with the mouth or touching the wound area with hands. The wound should be cleaned or locally disinfected regularly every day. Additionally, foot wounds in diabetics should slightly elevate the feet to facilitate blood return. Moreover, regular observations of changes in the wound should be made and communicated timely to the doctors at the hospital.