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. 2024 Mar;40(3):e3657.
doi: 10.1002/dmrr.3657. Epub 2023 May 27.

Practical guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetes-related foot disease (IWGDF 2023 update)

Nicolaas C Schaper  1 , Jaap J van Netten  2   3 , Jan Apelqvist  4 , Sicco A Bus  2   3 , Robert Fitridge  5 , Fran Game  6 , Matilde Monteiro-Soares  7   8   9 , Eric Senneville  10 ; IWGDF Editorial Board
Affiliations
Free article

Practical guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetes-related foot disease (IWGDF 2023 update)

Nicolaas C Schaper et al. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2024 Mar.
Free article

Abstract

Diabetes-related foot disease results in a major global burden for patients and the healthcare system. The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has been producing evidence-based guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetes-related foot disease since 1999. In 2023, all IWGDF Guidelines have been updated based on systematic reviews of the literature and formulation of recommendations by multidisciplinary experts from all over the world. In addition, a new guideline on acute Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy was created. In this document, the IWGDF Practical Guidelines, we describe the basic principles of prevention, classification and management of diabetes-related foot disease based on the seven IWGDF Guidelines. We also describe the organisational levels to successfully prevent and treat diabetes-related foot disease according to these principles and provide addenda to assist with foot screening. The information in these practical guidelines is aimed at the global community of healthcare professionals who are involved in the care of persons with diabetes. Many studies around the world support our belief that implementing these prevention and management principles is associated with a decrease in the frequency of diabetes-related lower-extremity amputations. The burden of foot disease and amputations is increasing at a rapid rate, and comparatively more so in middle to lower income countries. These guidelines also assist in defining standards of prevention and care in these countries. In conclusion, we hope that these updated practical guidelines continue to serve as a reference document to aid healthcare providers in reducing the global burden of diabetes-related foot disease.

Keywords: IWGDF; daily practice; diabetic foot; foot ulcer; guidelines; implementation.

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References

REFERENCES

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