1. Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes, with an annual incidence of 1-4% and lifetime risk of 15-25%. Approximately 15% of diabetic foot ulcers result in lower extremity amputation. 2. Peripheral neuropathy is a major contributing factor in diabetic foot ulcers. The costs to treat a diabetic foot ulcer over a 2 year period following detection can be significant. 3. Five-year mortality rates for diabetes-related wounds and amputations are worse than some forms of cancer. Comprehensive diabetic foot examinations and appropriate footwear can help prevent ulcers.

1. Diagnosis and Management of the Diabetic Foot Don Pelto, DPM Central Massachusetts Podiatry, PC Worcester, Massachusetts

3. Costs to Treat a Diabetic Foot Ulcer Over a 2-Year Period Following Detection Ramsey et al. Diabetes Care. 1999;22:382. Cost analyses based on percent change in the medical component of the US consumer price index.

4. 5-Year Mortality Rates Armstrong DG, Wrobel J, Robbins JM. Guest Editorial: are diabetes-related wounds and amputations worse than cancer? Int Wound J. 2007;4(4):286–287

5. Patient SM

6. Patient SM

7. Patient SM – 4 Months

8. Patient SM – 9 Months

9. Patient SM – 12 Months

12. Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Examination (CDFE)

27. Patient PF – May 2009

28. Patient PF – May 2009

29. Patient PF – February 2011

38. Thank You Don Pelto, DPM Central Massachusetts Podiatry, PC Worcester, MA [email_address] (508) 757-4003