Best practices for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Although the prevention, assessment, and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers has improved in recent years, care is often fragmented and does not always meet best clinical practice. This article incorporates current best clinical practices and expert opinion with available research to arrive at 11 recommendations. These recommendations include adequate vascular supply, infection control, pressure offloading, and an optimal local wound environment. This approach is best accomplished through a multidisciplinary team and revolves around the active participation of the person with diabetes. The authors' intent is to provide a practical, easy-to-follow guide to allow healthcare professionals to establish and empower a team to provide best clinical practices.