Background
- Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and its epicenter is in
- One of its main complications is lower extremity ulceration and infection leading to amputation. And this is the main contributor to lower limb amputations outside trauma. The good news is foot ulceration is preventable.
- Furthermore aggressive appropriate management of early lesions prevents amputation.
- This is achieved only with good knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiological processes involved.
- This would be best achieved by teaching the subject as a stand-alone module.
- It is important to remember that diabetics do not lose their limb overnight and 70-90% of amputations are preceded by ulceration.
- It is a major contributor to amputation, ironically 30-50% of amputees lose the other limb within 5 yrs moreover approximately 100% die within 5 years of the second amputation.
