Diabetic Feet Pose High Risks
Diabetes Patients 56 Times More Likely to Require Hospitalization for Foot Infections
Wounds literally leave the body open to infection. Foot wounds seen in Lavery’s study included burns, punctures, cuts, trauma, and even ingrown toenails.
Some wounds were more troublesome than others, in terms of infection. Wounds that lasted more than 30 days and cut down to the bone were particularly likely to become infected, the study shows.
Patients with poor blood circulation in their legs (peripheral vascular disease) were also more likely to have foot infections. Circulatory problems might make it harder to clear up infections or injuries, the researchers note.
The study shows the “relatively high incidence of foot infections in people with diabetes, even those who have been subjected to intensive efforts to prevent foot complications,” write Lavery and colleagues.
There is a “high amputation risk associated with foot infections in diabetic patients,” the researchers note. “Fortunately,” they continue, “the risk factors associated with foot wounds and infection are all easily detected by a simple screening foot examination, allowing preventative efforts to be targeted to those at greatest risk.”
The bottom line: If you have diabetes, take care of your feet -- including foot screening at every medical appointment -- and watch out for foot wounds.
Those steps may not totally rule out foot problems, but there’s no downside to good foot care.
“Although foot complications occurred despite our interventions, successful preventative efforts could potentially dramatically reduce the high rate of the potentially devastating problems in individuals with diabetes,” write Lavery and colleagues.
Diabetic Feet Pose High Risks
Diabetes Patients 56 Times More Likely to Require Hospitalization for Foot Infections
Wounds Open the Door to Infection continued...
Wounds literally leave the body open to infection. Foot wounds seen in Lavery’s study included burns, punctures, cuts, trauma, and even ingrown toenails.
Some wounds were more troublesome than others, in terms of infection. Wounds that lasted more than 30 days and cut down to the bone were particularly likely to become infected, the study shows.
Patients with poor blood circulation in their legs (peripheral vascular disease) were also more likely to have foot infections. Circulatory problems might make it harder to clear up infections or injuries, the researchers note.
High Rate of Foot Infections
The study shows the “relatively high incidence of foot infections in people with diabetes, even those who have been subjected to intensive efforts to prevent foot complications,” write Lavery and colleagues.
There is a “high amputation risk associated with foot infections in diabetic patients,” the researchers note. “Fortunately,” they continue, “the risk factors associated with foot wounds and infection are all easily detected by a simple screening foot examination, allowing preventative efforts to be targeted to those at greatest risk.”
The bottom line: If you have diabetes, take care of your feet -- including foot screening at every medical appointment -- and watch out for foot wounds.
Those steps may not totally rule out foot problems, but there’s no downside to good foot care.
“Although foot complications occurred despite our interventions, successful preventative efforts could potentially dramatically reduce the high rate of the potentially devastating problems in individuals with diabetes,” write Lavery and colleagues.