Diabetic Ulcer - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Diabetic Ulcer - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Diabetic Ulcer - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
report=reader
Diabetic Ulcer
Packer CF, Ali SA, Manna B.
Objectives:
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic endocrine disorder due to an overall deficiency of insulin (Type 1) or defective insulin function (Type 2) which
causes hyperglycemia. Type 1 diabetes which is usually seen in younger patients accounts for 5% to 10% of cases worldwide and is secondary to
the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing B-islet cells of the pancreas which results in complete insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes
accounts for 90% to 95% of cases worldwide and is due to genetic and environmental factors with resultant insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-
cell dysfunction causing relative insulin deficiency. This form of diabetes remains clinically inevident for many years. Although abnormal
glucose metabolism which is associated with chronic hyperglycemia results in complications that can either be macrovascular or microvascular.
The macrovascular disease affects mainly the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems, and the microvascular disease includes nephropathy,
retinopathy, and neuropathies.
A debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus is diabetic ulcers, which leads to increased overall morbidity in patients. This complication may
be prevented, as the inciting factor is most often minor trauma. Early identification of these cutaneous injuries also can lead to improved
outcomes while decreasing the risk of progression. Patients with diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2) have a total lifetime risk of a diabetic foot ulcer
complication as high as 25%. [1]
Etiology
The Six Stages of a Diabetic Foot as described by the 7th Practical Diabetes International Foot Conference
1 of 7 9/13/2023, 10:09 PM
Diabetic Ulcer - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499887/?report=reader
There are three types of diabetic foot ulcer described namely neuropathic, neuroischaemic, and ischaemic.[2] [3] Sensory neuropathy leads to the
majority of ulcers as a result of minor trauma which is not perceived by the patient and further goes untreated as there are no associated pain
symptoms unless there is a routine evaluation to assist in identification. [4] Myocardial infarction is one of the most significant events related to
peripheral arterial disease increased risk of ischemia. However, ischemia leading to diabetic ulcers adds severe morbidity and health care cost as
it can be a chronic complication which is difficult to treat as there is insufficient blood supply.
• Peripheral motor neuropathy: Abnormal foot anatomy and biomechanics, with clawing of toes, high arch, and subluxed
metatarsophalangeal joints, leading to excess pressure, callus formation, and ulcers
• Peripheral sensory neuropathy: Lack of protective sensation, leading to unattended minor injuries caused by excess pressure or
mechanical or thermal injury
• Peripheral autonomic neuropathy: Deficient sweating leading to dry, cracking skin
• Neuro-osteoarthropathy deformities (i.e., Charcot disease) or limited joint mobility
• Abnormal anatomy and biomechanics, leading to excess pressure, especially in the midplantar area
• Vascular (arterial) insufficiency: Impaired tissue viability, wound healing, and delivery of neutrophils
• Hyperglycemia and other metabolic derangements: Impaired immunological (especially neutrophil) function and wound healing and
excess collagen cross-linking
Epidemiology
The pooled worldwide prevalence of diabetic foot ulceration was 6.3%. North America had the highest prevalence of 13%; Oceania had the
lowest prevalence of 3%. The prevalence in Africa was 7.2% which was higher than Asia 5.5%. Diabetic foot ulceration was more prevalent in
male patients with diabetes mellitus, 4.5%, than female patients, 3.5%. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) had a higher prevalence of
ulceration at 6.4% compared to patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), 5.5%. [6][7]
In a systematic review and meta-analysis by Zhang et al. published in 2016, patients with diabetic foot ulceration had the following
characteristics: older age (61.7 plus or minus 3.7 versus 56.1 plus or minus 3.9), longer diabetic duration (11.3 plus or minus 2.5 versus 7.4 plus
or minus 2.2), lower body mass Index (BMI, 23.8 ± 1.7 versus 24.4 plus or minus 1.7), higher percentage of smokers (29.1%, 95%CI: 18.3% to
39.8% versus 17.4%, 95% CI: 12.4% to 22.4%), hypertension (63.4%, 95%CI: 49.4% to 88.3% versus 53.1%, 95%CI: 33.8% to 72.5%), and
diabetic retinopathy (63.6%, 95%CI: 38.8% to 88.3%% versus 33.3%, 95%CI: 13.8% to 52.7%) than patients that did not develop diabetic foot
ulceration.
Pathophysiology
Atherosclerosis and diabetic peripheral neuropathy are the two main causes leading to a complication of diabetes such as ulcers. Atherosclerosis
leads to decreased blood flow in large and medium-sized vessels secondary to thickening of capillary basement membrane, loss of elasticity, and
deposition of lipids within the walls. Further arteriosclerosis leads to small vessel ischemia. Peripheral neuropathy affects the sensory, motor, and
autonomic nervous system. There are multifactorial causes such as vascular disease occluding the vasa nervorum, endothelial dysfunction,
chronic hyperosmolarity, and effects of increased sorbitol and fructose.
A clinically pertinent history of the type of diabetes, medication history, comorbidities, symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, and vascular
insufficiency should be elucidated. Symptoms of neuropathy include hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, dysesthesia, and radicular pain.
Vascular insufficiency has varying presentations and most patients are asymptomatic. However, they can present with intermittent claudication,
rest pain, and healing or non-healing ulcers.
In the examination of the legs and foot, an inspection should be performed in a well-lit room with appropriate exposure. Proper documentation
using descriptions of ulcer characteristics with size, depth, appearance, and location performed. Presence of discoloration, necrosis, or areas of
drainage are signs of infection, and further care is required. Other abnormalities such as nail discoloration, callus formation, and deformities
should be noted. Imbalance in the innervations of the foot muscles from neuropathic damage can lead to the development of common deformities
seen in affected patients. Hyperextension of the metatarsal-phalangeal joint with interphalangeal or distal phalangeal joint flexion leads to
2 of 7 9/13/2023, 10:09 PM
Diabetic Ulcer - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499887/?report=reader
hammer toe and claw toe deformities, respectively. Charcot arthropathy is a commonly seen deformity. Assessment of footwear is important as it
can be a contributing factor to the development of foot ulceration. The presence of callus or nail abnormalities should be noted.
Examine the cardiovascular system, checking popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulse. Claudication, loss of hair, and the presence of
pale, thin, shiny, or cool skin are physical findings suggestive of potential ischemia. If a vascular disease is a concern, the evaluator should
measure the ankle-brachial index (ABI). ABIs can, however, be falsely elevated in patients with diabetes mellitus due to calcification of vessels.
More reliable methods of assessing the potential for healing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes mellitus suspected of having peripheral ischemia
involve systolic toe pressure measurements by photoplethysmography or measurement of distal transcutaneous oxygen tension.
Evaluation
Based on wound depth and necrotic tissue, diabetic ulcers can be classified by the Wagner ulcer classification system. [8][9][10]
CBC
X-Ray/Ultrasound: Performed for the detection of the spread of the lesion and soft tissue involvement.
MRI: Radiologic evaluation involves plain radiographs in two-thirds of the views assessing for deformity.If there is suspicion of osteomyelitis,
tendonitis, or joint inflammation MRI imaging should be performed.
Probe-to-bone Test
Monofilament Test
Biopsy and Culture: Specimen of bone and other tissue involved and histopathological examination is performed with the culture. This can also
guide antibiotic treatment in case of a bacterial infection.
Treatment / Management
Multimodal Diabetic Ulcer Management[11][12]
• Patient Education: Education on foot care, as well as control of blood sugar levels, should be performed early. This can also be done
with the aid of diabetic educators and social workers.
• Blood-Sugar Control: This is managed using a team approach of primary care physician, podiatry, and vascular specialist and based on
the severity of the disease and the patient’s attitude toward medication, especially insulin.
• Decreasing Pressure, preventing further or new trauma: Offloading pressure to the area can be done with crutches, wheelchairs, and
casting. Ulcer healing is improved with total contact casting, irremovable cast walkers compared to removable cast walkers. [13]
• Improve Peripheral Vascular Circulation: Antiplatelet agents are the initial drug therapy; however, insufficiency requires surgical
bypass.
• Prevent or Control Infection: Systemic and source control is achieved using antibiotics and surgical debridement.
• Topical Ulcer Care: Principles of wound care include the use of topical agents with dressing and debridement. Shallow ulcers can be
managed with occlusive and semi-occlusive dressings. A specialized dressing containing hyaluronic acid, collagen, and surgical
intervention for debridement is usually required in full-thickness ulcers.
Di�erential Diagnosis
3 of 7 9/13/2023, 10:09 PM
Diabetic Ulcer - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499887/?report=reader
• Venous Ulcers: It is caused by chronic elevation of venous pressure leading to incompetent valves. Venous blood from deep veins
refluxes into superficial veins causing varicose veins and lower limb edema.Leakage of plasma proteins and leukocytes causing edema
and free radical damage to the tissue resulting in ulcer formation. The most common locations are the pretibial area and above the
medial malleolus. Usually, a shallow ulcer with irregular borders and overlying fibrinous exudate is present.
• Diabetic Dermatopathy: These are purplish, round asymptomatic lesions that usually occur in the lower extremities but can be present
anywhere on the body of diabetic patients. These lesions usually require no intervention.
• Malignancy:- Different malignancies can present as cutaneous ulcers but systemic signs and symptoms ( fever, weight loss, malaise,
etc) are also usually present. The diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopic examination of the biopsy specimen.
• Superficial Thrombophlebitis: Characterized by pain, erythema, tenderness overlying inflamed and thrombosed superficial veins.
• Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels and surrounding tissues caused by the deposition of immune complexes.
• Gouty Arthritis: Monosodium urate crystal deposits in joints can result in inflammation, usually associated with hyperuricemia.
• Infection: Primary infectious ulcer results either by direct inoculation or systemic spread. Clinical features vary with the types of
infection.
• Sickle Cell Disease: Sickle cell disease can result in painful leg ulcers commonly on medial and lateral malleoli.
• Drugs:-Some drugs e.g, warfarin, heparin, hydroxyurea can result in ulcer formation.
Prognosis
The prognosis of diabetic ulcers is dependant on various factors such as strict diabetes control, patient education, a healthy lifestyle, and proper
wound care. Poor blood supply, infection, prolonged duration, and recurrent ulcers are associated with poor prognosis. These prognostic
indicators are utilized to take necessary interventions and precautionary measures to reduce the risk of severe complications such as osteomyelitis
and amputation.[14][15]
Complications
Diabetic ulcers can lead to many complications and are responsible for hospitalizations and functional disabilities in diabetic patients.[16]
• Cellulitis
• Gangrene
• Sepsis
• Abscess
• Ascending lymphangitis
• Osteomyelitis
• Limb ischemia
• Amputation[17][18]
Consultations
Early detection and treatment can help in decreasing complications. Timely interventions and consultations with the following are
recommended:[20]
• Endocrinologist
• Infectious disease specialist
• Vascular surgeon
• Podiatrist
• Orthopedic surgeon
• Plastic surgeon
4 of 7 9/13/2023, 10:09 PM
Diabetic Ulcer - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499887/?report=reader
The following are some risk factors associated with diabetic foot ulcers:-
Different measures can be taken to reduce the risk of foot problems. In general, keeping blood glucose in the target range reduces all kinds of
diabetic complications. This involves making a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Avoiding activities associated with foot injuries and avoiding
smoking can be helpful. Caring for nails and trimming them straight across to avoid skin injury. Washing feet and choosing socks and shoes
wisely. Regular foot exams to avoid unnoticed injuries.[22]
Review Questions
• Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.
• Comment on this article.
Figure
Diabetic Ulcer Due to neuropathy, vasculopathy, and foot deformity. Note periwound callous formation. Wagner Grade 2.
Contributed by Mark A. Dreyer, DPM, FACFAS
Figure
Diabetic Foot Ulcer Neuropathic ulceration in a patient with diabetes Note periwound callous formation. Wagner Grade 2.
Contributed by Mark A. Dreyer, DPM, FACFAS
5 of 7 9/13/2023, 10:09 PM
Diabetic Ulcer - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499887/?report=reader
References
1. Boulton AJ, Armstrong DG, Albert SF, Frykberg RG, Hellman R, Kirkman MS, Lavery LA, LeMaster JW, Mills JL, Mueller MJ, Sheehan P,
Wukich DK. Comprehensive foot examination and risk assessment. A report of the Task Force of the Foot Care Interest Group of the
American Diabetes Association, with endorsement by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Phys Ther. 2008
Nov;88(11):1436-43. [PubMed]
2. Edmonds M, Bates M, Doxford M, Gough A, Foster A. New treatments in ulcer healing and wound infection. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2000
Sep-Oct;16 Suppl 1:S51-4. [PubMed]
3. McNeely MJ, Boyko EJ, Ahroni JH, Stensel VL, Reiber GE, Smith DG, Pecoraro RF. The independent contributions of diabetic neuropathy
and vasculopathy in foot ulceration. How great are the risks? Diabetes Care. 1995 Feb;18(2):216-9. [PubMed]
4. Uçkay I, Aragón-Sánchez J, Lew D, Lipsky BA. Diabetic foot infections: what have we learned in the last 30 years? Int J Infect Dis. 2015
Nov;40:81-91. [PubMed]
5. Gariani K, Uçkay I, Lipsky BA. Managing diabetic foot infections: a review of the new guidelines. Acta Chir Belg. 2014 Jan-
Feb;114(1):7-16. [PubMed]
6. Geraghty T, LaPorta G. Current health and economic burden of chronic diabetic osteomyelitis. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res.
2019 Jun;19(3):279-286. [PubMed]
7. Zhang X, Sun D, Jiang GC. Comparative efficacy of nine different dressings in healing diabetic foot ulcer: A Bayesian network analysis. J
Diabetes. 2019 Jun;11(6):418-426. [PubMed]
8. Levy N, Gillibrand W. Management of diabetic foot ulcers in the community: an update. Br J Community Nurs. 2019 Mar 01;24(Sup3):S14-
S19. [PubMed]
9. Bolton L. Managing Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers. Wounds. 2018 Dec;30(12):380-381. [PubMed]
10. Parker CN, Shuter P, Maresco-Pennisi D, Sargent J, Collins L, Edwards HE, Finlayson KJ. Implementation of the Champions for Skin
Integrity model to improve leg and foot ulcer care in the primary healthcare setting. J Clin Nurs. 2019 Jul;28(13-14):2517-2525. [PubMed]
11. Borys S, Hohendorff J, Frankfurter C, Kiec-Wilk B, Malecki MT. Negative pressure wound therapy use in diabetic foot syndrome-from
mechanisms of action to clinical practice. Eur J Clin Invest. 2019 Apr;49(4):e13067. [PubMed]
12. Giacomozzi C, Sartor CD, Telles R, Uccioli L, Sacco ICN. Ulcer-risk classification and plantar pressure distribution in patients with diabetic
polyneuropathy: exploring the factors that can lead to foot ulceration. Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2018 Oct-Dec;54(4):284-293. [PubMed]
13. American Diabetes Association. 2. Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2018. Diabetes Care.
2018 Jan;41(Suppl 1):S13-S27. [PubMed]
14. Ndosi M, Wright-Hughes A, Brown S, Backhouse M, Lipsky BA, Bhogal M, Reynolds C, Vowden P, Jude EB, Nixon J, Nelson EA.
Prognosis of the infected diabetic foot ulcer: a 12-month prospective observational study. Diabet Med. 2018 Jan;35(1):78-88. [PMC free
article] [PubMed]
15. Apelqvist J, Larsson J, Agardh CD. Long-term prognosis for diabetic patients with foot ulcers. J Intern Med. 1993 Jun;233(6):485-91.
[PubMed]
16. Muduli IC, P P A, Panda C, Behera NC. Diabetic Foot Ulcer Complications and Its Management-a Medical College-Based Descriptive
Study in Odisha, an Eastern State of India. Indian J Surg. 2015 Dec;77(Suppl 2):270-4. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
17. Boulton AJ. Diabetic neuropathy and foot complications. Handb Clin Neurol. 2014;126:97-107. [PubMed]
18. Megallaa MH, Ismail AA, Zeitoun MH, Khalifa MS. Association of diabetic foot ulcers with chronic vascular diabetic complications in
patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2019 Mar-Apr;13(2):1287-1292. [PubMed]
19. Lázaro-Martínez JL, Aragón-Sánchez J, García-Morales E. Antibiotics versus conservative surgery for treating diabetic foot osteomyelitis: a
randomized comparative trial. Diabetes Care. 2014;37(3):789-95. [PubMed]
20. Ammendola M, Sacco R, Butrico L, Sammarco G, de Franciscis S, Serra R. The care of transmetatarsal amputation in diabetic foot
gangrene. Int Wound J. 2017 Feb;14(1):9-15. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
21. Dorresteijn JA, Kriegsman DM, Assendelft WJ, Valk GD. Patient education for preventing diabetic foot ulceration. Cochrane Database Syst
Rev. 2014 Dec 16;2014(12):CD001488. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
22. Nather A, Cao S, Chen JLW, Low AY. Prevention of diabetic foot complications. Singapore Med J. 2018 Jun;59(6):291-294. [PMC free
article] [PubMed]
23. Xiang J, Wang S, He Y, Xu L, Zhang S, Tang Z. Reasonable Glycemic Control Would Help Wound Healing During the Treatment of
Diabetic Foot Ulcers. Diabetes Ther. 2019 Feb;10(1):95-105. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
24. Lim JZ, Ng NS, Thomas C. Prevention and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. J R Soc Med. 2017 Mar;110(3):104-109. [PMC free article]
[PubMed]
6 of 7 9/13/2023, 10:09 PM
Diabetic Ulcer - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499887/?report=reader
Disclosure: Corrine Packer declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Disclosure: Syed Awab Ali declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Disclosure: Biagio Manna declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Publication Details
Authors
A�liations
1
Mohsin Hospital Qamar Sialvi Road Gujrat
2
RWJUH/Barnabas Health System
Publication History
Copyright
Copyright © 2023, StatPearls Publishing LLC.
This book is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) (
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ), which permits others to distribute the work, provided that the article is not altered or used commercially. You are not
required to obtain permission to distribute this article, provided that you credit the author and journal.
Publisher
NLM Citation
Packer CF, Ali SA, Manna B. Diabetic Ulcer. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
7 of 7 9/13/2023, 10:09 PM