An Integrated Approach for the Effective Management of Limb-Threatening Ischaemia in the Diabetic Foot

Joseph L Mills

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases became the leading cause of global mortality almost a decade ago and the epidemic of diabetes is one of its major contributors. Diabetes affects more than 415 million people across the world and the diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of its prime manifestations. The magnitude of this problem, which impacts 1 in 4 people with diabetes during his or her lifetime, necessitates an organized response to care delivery. It has been demonstrated repeatedly that amputation rates in people with diabetes can be dramatically reduced when patients with diabetes receive care from an integrated, coordinated team of dedicated clinicians from multiple disciplines, especially teams that include foot specialists and vascular specialists. This chapter begins with a brief outline of the history and evolution of the team approach. It then presents in detail an organized algorithm based on the underlying pathophysiology of the DFU and the skillsets needed to manage it to create a model for integrated diabetic foot care to prevent unnecessary amputations and improve quality of life for those affected.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)147-160
Number of pages14
JournalFrontiers in Diabetes
Volume26
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

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