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DFU Complications: The Consequences of Progressive Deterioration

Detailed information on potential complications if DFU is not managed effectively
(Overview of DFU Complications and Epidemiology of Complications)

Up to 34% of diabetic patients may suffer from Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs) in their lifetime. These ulcerative wounds, if not treated promptly, can lead to a series of severe complications, including infections, gangrene, amputation, and even death. These complications not only reduce the patient's physical function and quality of life but also increase the burden on the healthcare system1.

  1. Infection：

    Ulcer wounds become invaded and colonized by bacteria or fungi2, with the depth ranging from the dermis to deeper tissues. Statistics show that about half of diabetic patients develop infected ulcer wounds, about 20% of which will require hospitalization, and in severe cases, amputation may be necessary1.

    For more information, click here：

    "Foot Infections: The Five Early Signs You Need to Know"
  2. Gangrene：

    A condition of tissue death caused by insufficient blood supply, infection, or injury. Gangrene can be dry or wet, with dry gangrene tissues becoming dry and blackened, while wet gangrene tissues, due to infection, will show signs of decay or inflammation2.

    For more information, click here：

    "What is Gangrene? From Vascular Obstruction to Infection"
  3. Amputation：

    DFU patients may ultimately face amputation surgery to remove a part of the limb, including bone or joint2. Infections and gangrene are the primary causes leading to amputation in patients, with about 20% of DFU patients eventually facing the need for amputation1, which includes minor amputations (such as part of a toe) and major amputations where a limb segment is removed2.

    To learn more, click here：

    "The Last Line of Defense for Foot Health: Precautions of DFU Amputation"
  4. Death：

    The five-year mortality rate of patients with DFU is approximately 30.5%3 to 49.1%4, and is 2.5 times higher than that of patients without DFU5. The five-year mortality risk for non-major and major amputations was also higher than the risk for all cancers and breast cancer6.

We can find that many of the complications of DFU are related, and a small ulcerative wound can potentially develop into unpredictable consequences if it progressively worsens. It is evident that early detection and treatment to prevent the condition from worsening is the most important principle in managing DFU; and preventing DFU proactively is the most positive attitude facing DFU.

Am I at high risk for DFU?

"Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers by Paying Attention to Your Risk Level!"
    Reference：
  • Armstrong DG et al. JAMA. 2023;330(1):62-75.
  • van Netten JJ et al. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2023;e3654.
  • Armstrong DG et al. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(24):2367-2375.