Diabetes mellitus—Infections and fracture healing

Care for the lower extremity in a patient with diabetes is a challenging but important facet of care both for the patient and the clinician. Diabetic foot ulcerations are a devastating condition that carry risks including infection, hospitalization, and loss of limb. Patients with diabetes are also at higher risk for fracture and fracture complication such as delayed and non-union. It is important that patients with diabetes are routinely screened for risk factors including peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and glycemic control in order to optimize management and improve outcomes. Management of this patient population requires a multi-disciplinary team approach along with dedication from the patient.