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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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Is it good for people with diabetes to soak their feet?

Diabetic foot is primarily classified into a level 0 diabetic foot and levels 1 to 5 diabetic foot. If it is a level 0 diabetic foot and the patient does not have any wounds, then soaking the feet is permissible. Level 0 diabetic foot mainly refers to a high-risk diabetic foot, in which case soaking is allowed. However, care must be taken to ensure that the water temperature is not too high to avoid scalding the skin. If the diabetic foot has reached levels 1 to 5, where the patient has wounds and ulcerations, soaking the feet is not recommended, as it can easily worsen and exacerbate the wound ulcerations. Therefore, people with diabetes should consider their individual conditions to determine whether foot soaking is suitable.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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The precursor of diabetic foot

Diabetic foot is commonly seen in patients who have had diabetes for over ten years, often due to poor blood sugar control and inadequate care. There are three factors that lead to diabetic foot. The first is vascular factors, often accompanied by arterial stenosis in both lower limbs, leading to blood supply disorders. The second is neuropathy, accompanied by peripheral neuropathy, insensitivity to temperature and pain, which makes it easy to suffer burns and external injuries to the foot. The third factor is the presence of an infectious trigger. When these three factors combine, the risk of diabetic foot becomes very high.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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What to eat for diabetic foot

The treatment of diabetic foot begins with good blood sugar control. Therefore, dietary control is necessary for diabetic foot. For diabetic patients, it is required to eat three meals a day at regular times and avoid multiple smaller meals or snacks. Foods such as fruits, nuts, and those high in fats should be eaten less frequently. Additionally, liquid foods like soups and porridges should also be reduced. Only when blood sugar is well-controlled can the treatment of diabetic foot be effective.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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What are the symptoms of diabetic foot infection?

Symptoms of diabetic foot infections can include localized gradual wound ulceration, suppuration, and odor. In severe cases, patients may observe necrosis of the foot with a dark color. Some patients may experience systemic effects, including fever. Therefore, the progression of diabetic foot can be rapid. It is recommended that diabetic patients seek medical attention promptly when they notice any wound ulceration to prevent worsening of the infection.

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Written by Yang Li
Endocrinology
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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.