Volume 1 number 1 Summer 2003
Special issue for the abstracts of the 7th Pan Arab Conference on Diabetes
PACD7 , 25 – 28 March 2003 Cairo

Abstract Number : 63
Proper Foot Care may prevent Diabetic Foot Complications

Amany Hussein Faculty of Nursing Tanta University
Egypt

Diabetic foot complications are the most common cause of nontraumatic lower extremity amputation. The risk of lower extremity amputation is 15 to 46 times higher in diabetics than in persons who do not have diabetes mellitus. Foot complications are the most frequent reason for hospitalization in-patients with diabetes. The vast majority of diabetic foot complications resulting in amputation begin with the formation of skin ulcers. Early detection and appropriate treatment of these ulcers may prevent up to 85 percent of amputations. Careful inspection of the diabetic foot on a regular basis is one of the easiest, least expensive and most effective measures for preventing foot complications. Diabetic foot complications should be treated to maintain health status, improve quality of life, and reduce the number of amputations and lower costs. Management of diabetic foot requires a thorough knowledge of the major risk factors for amputation and meticulous preventive maintenance. Patient education regarding foot hygiene, nail care and proper footwear is crucial to reducing the risk of an injury that can lead to foot complications. 

OnlineDiabetes Journal, All rights reserved