Introduction to Diabetic Foot Ulcers

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

Diabetic foot ulcers are painful, open sores that develop on the feet of people with diabetes. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, diabetic foot ulcers can cause extensive damage to soft-tissue and bone that may necessitate amputation. It has been estimated that people with diabetes have about a 15% lifetime risk for developing a foot ulcer. According to the American Diabetic Association, from 1997 to 1999 approximately 82,000 lower-limb amputations were performed each year in people with diabetes. The most common reason for these amuputations was a diabetic foot ulcer. People who develop diabetic foot ulcers also experience a reduced quality of life due to reduced mobility, restricted social activities, and time lost from work.