DIABETIC FOOT: PREVENTION AND INTERVENTIONS

Maarit Venermo, Mauri Lepantalo
Department of Vascular Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital,
Helsinki, Finland

The number of diabetics will increase almost 70% in developed countries during the next 20 years. Peripheral arterial disease is a common and costly complication among diabetics. The incidence of cardiovascular disease (mortality and morbidity) due to atherosclerosis, is higher among patients with diabetes than in those without diabetes. Also, amputation incidence is 5-10-fold higher compared to nondiabetics. Due to neuropathy, infections and underlyind PAD, ulcers in diabetic foot leads too often to amputation. Urgent evaluation of lower extremity circulation, treatment of infections and surgical procedures, including revisions and revascularizations, are often needed. Intensive management of diabetes, including glycaemic and platelet aggregation control, treatment of hypertension and dyslipidemia, as well as nonpharmacological interventions, decreases both micro- and macrovascular complications.

KEY WORDS: diabetes, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, diabetic foot, risk factors, prevention, amputation.

P. 19-31

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