The pathogenesis of diabetic foot problems: an overview.

Foot ulceration and lower limb amputation are still common complications of diabetes. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease are the most important etiologic factors, but there is a complex interplay between these abnormalities and a number of other contributory factors, such as altered foot pressures, limited joint mobility, glycemic control, ethnic background, and cardiovascular parameters. Identification of patients at high risk of ulceration is nevertheless simple, and education of such patients can achieve a major reduction in amputation and ulceration rates.