The importance of diabetic foot care: preventive care and clinical approach

Abstract

It is acknowledged that diabetes is a major public health problem, not only due to the large number of individuals that suffer from its complications and incapacitations, but also because of the high cost of the treatment. Diabetes affects the populations of all socio-economical classes in all countries, regardless their stage of development. One of the most feared diabetes complications is loss of one foot or leg. With some care, however, such situations can be prevented. The purpose of this paper is to present epidemiological data showing clearly the importance of prevention and aspects relevant for clinical care, as well as to make some decisive suggestions for assuring an appropriate control of this chronic disease that are: adherence to treatment and  the doctor/patient relation.