A Quick Guide to Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Among Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from diabetes, approximately 8% of have a foot ulcer, and 1.8% have an amputation. Equally troubling is that between 10% and 15% of those with diabetes can expect to develop at least one foot ulcer throughout their lifetime.* As a wound care specialist, or a practicing healthcare provider, it is vital to familiarize yourself with the most current, effective wound care treatments specific to diabetic ulcers.
Another all too common problem that clinicians encounter is that of pressure ulcers. According to a study by the CDC, 1 our of 10 nursing home patients had a pressure sore. Only 35% percent of nursing home residents with stage 2 or higher pressure sores received treatment from a wound care specialist.** Inform yourself about how to prevent and treat both partial and full thickness wounds, including pressure sores, and your patients will benefit.
We have gathered practical, informative resources centered around these topics, and want to share them with you. Click on an article title, or the accompanying image, in the resources box below and expand your wound care knowledge.
* “Prevalence of diabetes, diabetic foot ulcer, and lower extremity amputation among Medicare beneficiaries, 2006 to 2008,” National Center for Biotechnology Information.
** “Pressure Ulcers Among Nursing Home Residents: United States, 2004,” National Nursing Home Survey, 2004.
Resources and Clinical Articles
Reduction of 50% in Diabetic Foot Ulcers With Stem Cells
FDA approves shock wave device for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers
Gene Therapy for Non-Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers Starts Phase III Trial
Control your claims: Pressure ulcer/wound care management
