Presentations of diabetic feet

Those afflicted with diabetes mellitus have high rates of morbidity and mortality owing to the many complications of the disease. The complications can manifest themselves as ophthalmic, renal, vascular, neurologic, and pedal diseases. Unfortunately, the most often overlooked or neglected complications involve the feet. It is estimated that in the United States foot disease is five times more prevalent in diabetic patients than in those without diabetes. In fact, 20% of all diabetic patients admitted to hospitals in the United States are admitted for foot disease, with foot and ankle ulcers being the most common presentation.