Introduction to Diabetic Foot Ulcers

The term diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to simply as "diabetes", encompasses a group of metabolic disorders that are characterized by chronic hyperglycemia (persistently higher than normal levels of glucose in the bloodstream). Diabetes is a disease of global proportions that is estimated to affect more than 150 million people worldwide or about 5.5% of the total adult population. The prevalence of diabetes worldwide is on the rise and is expected to double by the year 2030. In the United States, approximately 16 million people are afflicted with diabetes and about 33% of these individuals are unaware that they have the disease and are, therefore, not receiving treatment.

There are three major types of diabetes:

• Type I diabetes

  • an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin
  • occurs most often in people under the age of 40
  • accounts for about 10% to 15% of all cases of diabetes
  • treatment consists of insulin injections plus careful attention to diet and exercise

• Type II diabetes

  • the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas become resistant to the action of insulin resulting in relative insulin deficiency and elevated blood glucose levels
  • accounts for about 85% to 90% of all cases of diabetes
  • major risk factor for cardiovascular disease
  • treatment consists of dietary modification, exercise, and medications

• Gestational diabetes mellitus

  • this type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy usually in the 5th or 6th month (24 to 28 weeks)
  • affects about 4% of pregnant women
  • usually resolves on its own after childbirth
  • if left untreated, gestational diabetes can affect the health of both the mother (risk of developing permanent diabetes) and the baby (increased risk of obesity and diabetes later in life)
  • treatment usually consists of diet and exercise but may also require the use of medications