Current challenges and opportunities in the prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcers

William J. Jeffcoate*, Loretta Vileikyte, Edward J. Boyko, David G. Armstrong, Andrew J.M. Boulton

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers remain amajor health care problem. They are common, result in considerable suffering, frequently recur, and are associated with highmortality, as well as considerable health care costs. While national and international guidance exists, the evidence base for much of routine clinical care is thin. It follows that many aspects of the structure and delivery of care are susceptible to the beliefs and opinion of individuals. It is probable that this contributes to the geographic variation in outcome that has been documented in a number of countries. This article considers these issues in depth and emphasizes the urgent need to improve the design and conduct of clinical trials in this field, as well as to undertake systematic comparison of the results of routine care in different health economies. There is strong suggestive evidence to indicate that appropriate changes in the relevant care pathways can result in a prompt improvement in clinical outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)645-652
Number of pages8
JournalDiabetes Care
Volume41
Issue number4
Early online date20 Mar 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2018

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Current challenges and opportunities in the prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this