The guidelines appear as a supplement to the October 2000 issue of The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Diabetes can hamper multiple organs, circulation and metabolism and often requires treatment by several specialists. In the U.S., an estimated 800,000 new foot ulcers occur every year, and 86,000 diabetic patients undergo foot amputations.
Ulcers are the leading cause of lower-extremity amputations.
As a result, the diabetic foot guidelines urge practitioners to examine their patients' feet during every office visit. Home Disclaimer Copyright 2001 by Springhouse Corporation .