Current Status and Principles for the Treatment and Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in the Cardiovascular Patient Population

Published: December 14, 2023

infected wound of diabetic foot
  • Diabetic foot ulcers, a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), are the main cause of morbidity and mortality and the leading cause of lower extremity amputation in the United States. Foot ulcer in a patient with DM doubles the expected mortality and constitutes the most common factor contributing to hospital admission.
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD) associated with non-healing diabetic ulcers has become increasingly challenging to manage due to increasing patient complexity derived from multiple co-morbid conditions. In addition, there is currently little guidance on best preventive and management practices regarding this patient population.
  • The current statement reviews the latest evidence on the complex etiology and management of diabetic wounds, therapeutic and preventive strategies, future research directions, health disparities, and other barriers to improving and advancing care.