An open discussion on the diabetic foot pandemic and its management methods between specialists from Europe and America. The discussion took place via Twitter with open participation from around the world.
Why is diabetic foot considered a pandemic?
Open discussion on the pandemic of diabetic foot and on the ways of treating it, between specialists from Europe and America. The discussion took place via Twitter, with open participation from around the world.
The term pandemic is no figure of speech: a diabetic foot is amputated somewhere on the planet every 20 seconds.
What is the scale of the problem?
Diabetic foot is linked to the continuous increase in the number of people with diabetes worldwide. By 2050 one in seven people is expected to have diabetes, while 25% of these patients will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their life. Every 20 seconds a diabetic foot is amputated somewhere on the planet.
Why is a vascular surgeon needed?
Because the problem is not only dermatological or orthopaedic. The basic reason a wound does not heal is reduced blood supply. The vascular surgeon assesses the condition of the vessels and, where needed, restores flow with angioplasty or a surgical bypass.
What was this discussion?
An open discussion via Twitter between specialists from Europe and America, with free participation from around the world. Such forms of scientific dialogue allow the exchange of experience without geographical limitations.
What can be done preventively?
Daily inspection of the feet, appropriate footwear, regular check-ups and proper control of diabetes can prevent problems before they become dangerous. See in detail the page on diabetic foot.
When should someone be concerned?
When a wound appears that does not heal, pain in the leg at rest and particularly at night, or a cold, pale or blue toe. These are signs of critical ischaemia and require immediate assessment by a vascular surgeon. See also intermittent claudication.
Prevention also has an economic dimension: restoring the blood supply and healing an ulcer cost far less than an amputation and the rehabilitation that follows. See also the page on peripheral arterial disease.
