Foot ulcers in older people with diabetes mellitus: prevention and management.
Abstract
Foot ulcers in a person with diabetes mellitus can be life-changing and threaten the viability of their lower limb. As many as one in three people with diabetes develops a foot ulcer in their lifetime. These foot ulcers are prone to fast-spreading infection and often precede lower-limb amputation. In older people with diabetes, foot ulcers can have significant negative long-term effects in terms of quality of life, morbidity and mortality. Appropriate care is crucial to prevent the development of foot ulcers and to manage them if they develop despite adequate preventive measures. Multidisciplinary team working and robust care pathways are essential. This article outlines the role of nurses in supporting older people with diabetes to maintain optimal foot health, ensuring that they undergo an annual foot assessment, assessing them for foot ulcers and referring them promptly to specialist care when required to avoid amputation. Keywords: clinical; clinical review; community; community care; diabetes; diabetic foot ulcers; healthy ageing; nursing care; older people; professional.Citation
Robbie J. Foot ulcers in older people with diabetes mellitus: prevention and management. Nurs Older People. 2023 Aug 23. doi: 10.7748/nop.2023.e1407. Epub ahead of print.Type
ArticlePMID
37609709Journal
Nursing Older PeoplePublisher
RCN Publishing (RCNi)ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.7748/nop.2023.e1407