It is an infection, ulceration or destruction of the deep tissues in the lower limbs, present in diabetic patients.
The main cause is the progressive damage that diabetes produces on the nerves (neuropathy) and arteries (vasculopathy).
The affected area of the foot appears swollen, with changes in skin color (red, blue, gray or white), red striae, and temperature changes (hot or cold). There is a characteristic lesion with minimal or absence of pain. If there is an infection, there may be fever, shivers and tremors.
The diagnosis is made with the clinical history and detailed physical examination.
Treatment will be focused on disinfection and wound healing, as well as control of blood glucose levels. Trauma to the feet will be avoided to prevent wounds.
- Amy C Weintrob, MD, Daniel J Sexton, MD. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of diabetic infections of the lower extremities. UpToDate. Jun 21, 2016.
- David G Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD, Richard J de Asla, MD, David K McCulloch, MD. Management of diabetic foot ulcers. UpToDate. Jan 27, 2017.
- American Diabetes Association: Statistics about diabetes: diabetes from the national diabetes statistics report, 2014 (released 06/10/14). http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/ (Accessed on September 02, 2015).
- Zhan LX, Branco BC, Armstrong DG, Mills JL Sr. The Society for Vascular Surgery lower extremity threatened limb classification system based on Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) correlates with risk of major amputation and time to wound healing. J Vasc Surg 2015; 61:939.
- Powers A. Diabetes Mellitus: complicaciones. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 2422:2430.
