Diabetic foot ulcers: A framework for prevention and care

Complications secondary to diabetes, such as diabetic foot ulcers, continue to be a major worldwide health problem. At the same time, health care systems are changing rapidly, causing concern about the quality of patient care. While the ultimate effect of current changes on health care professionals and patient outcomes remain uncertain, measures commonly used to reduce costs, e.g., disease and multi discliplinary management strategies, have been shown to help prevent the occurrence of diabetic ulcers. In addition, ultilizing a multi discliplinary approach, the principles of off‐loading and optimal wound care, the vast majority of diabetic foot ulcers can be expected to heal within 12 weeks of treatment. Education of primary care providers and patients is paramount. (WOUND REP REG 1999;7:7–16)