Diabetic foot: An interruptible but never ending story of diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a worldwide problem. The incidence of diabetes is increasing globally. DM is known for its micro and macro vascular complications like retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases. Diabetic foot complications are responsible for more than 50% of major limb amputations. Aims: to study the clinical pattern of foot infections in diabetic patients, analyze the risk factors, outcome of treatment modalities and to educate the patient about taking care of feet and preventive care. Results: Diabetic foot showed male to female ratio of 5:1 with age varying from 16 to >65 years. Occupation had statistical significant role in diabetic foot. Trivial trauma was associated with diabetic foot in more than 50% of cases. Debridement was the most common surgical intervention performed. Amputation was the last resort in saving patients life from diabetic foot complications. Conclusion: DM is one of the common metabolic disorders faced by surgeons. Diabetic foot a common entity in India due to complications of uncontrolled DM, can present as cellulitis, abscess, ulcer and even gangrene. Diabetic foot has high morbidity to patients. Even the diabetic foot is common complication of DM, it is preventable disorder with strict adherence of patients to foot care policies and aggressive approach of treating physician and surgeons.