MEDICAL RESEARCH

Foot ulcers with diabetes

It is estimated that up to 350,000 people in Denmark have diabetes, and the number is increasing. Foot complications are frequent with diabetes, and among the most feared complications. The most frequent are diabetic foot ulcers, which affect one in three to four people with diabetes at some time in their lives. Those who get diabetic foot ulcers face an increased risk of infection, amputation and death. How serious they can be is clearly shown by the fact that one person in three affected by a diabetic foot ulcer dies within five years.

“Looking on the bright side, however, most foot ulcers can be prevented with correct treatment and screening, but we do not know how many people suffer from diabetic foot complications in Denmark,” says Jonas Askø Andersen, principal investigator and Clinical Associate Professor at Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød.

He explains that in this national study, which is being carried out in collaboration with the Association of Danish Podiatrists and the Danish Wound Healing Society (DSFS), the aim is to investigate the extent of foot complications among people with diabetes, mapping out the number of those with diabetes who visit podiatrists, and the costs of a diabetic foot ulcer.

“With the support of the Vissing Foundation we can gather knowledge and help to increase awareness of diabetic foot complications in people with diabetes in the Danish health services. At the same time, it will form the basis for further research, and improved prevention and treatment of foot complications of diabetes,” says Jonas Askø Andersen.