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Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers by paying attention to your risk level first!

Warning signs of DFU
(Risk factors and warning signs of DFU)

The main risk factors for Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) include the following1,2：

  • Loss of protective sensation (LOPS): Including tactile, pressure, and vibration perceptions.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Whether there have been symptoms of intermittent claudication or palpable foot pulses, etc.
  • Foot deformities.
  • History of foot complications: Past occurrences of DFU or amputation.
  • Other complications associated with diabetes3：Neuropathy, corneal diseases, renal changes, etc.

According to the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) 2023 clinical guidelines, the risk stratification for Diabetic Foot Ulcers is categorized into four levels from 0 to 32：

  • Risk level
    Risk factors included
    Follow-up frequency
  • 0
    No risk factors identified.
    Once a year
  • 1
    Presence of LOPS (i.e., loss of protective sensation) or diagnosed PAD.
    Once every 6-12 months
  • 2
    Having two out of three risk factors (LOPS, PAD, foot deformity).
    Once every 3-6 months
  • 3
    Presence of LOPS or diagnosed PAD, along with other diabetic complications or at least one past foot complication.
    Once every 1-3 months

Additionally, apart from understanding the related risk factors, diabetic patients should also regularly check and properly care for their feet, wearing appropriate footwear and socks to protect them2.

Want to know more about the prevention of DFU?

"The power of foot self-care: Practical tips for preventing DFUs"
"New Opportunities for DFU Patients: Blood Sugar Control, Diet, and Exercise"
    Reference：
  • Armstrong DG et al. JAMA. 2023;330(1):62-75.
  • Schaper NC et al. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2023;e3657.
  • Yazdanpanah L et al. Int J Endocrinol. 2018;2018:7631659.