Caring for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), also called neuropathic ulcers, are one of the many complications of diabetes and a common diabetic complication that leads to hospitalization. Up to 25% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point during their lifetime. DFUs are also a common cause for osteomyelitis of the foot, which increases the risk for amputation. Over half of the individuals that undergo nontraumatic amputations annually in the United States are older adults, and 85% of these amputations are preceded by a DFU.