Abstract
The diabetic foot syndrome means lesions (ulcerations and gangrene) present on the feet in diabetes mellitus patients. The diabetic neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease - ischaemia, foot deformity and infection are all important factors that predispose the foot to ulceration.
For practical purposes, the diabetic foot can be divided into three entities: the neuropatic foot (in which neuropathy predominates and there is a good circulation), the ischaemic foot (with no concomitant neuropathy) and neuroischaemic foot with both neuropathy and ischaemia. The management is different in all groups.
Because the most diabetic ulcerations are caused by an external reason (injury, unsuitable shoes), the feet of diabetic patients must be carefully examined for the presence of deformities, evidence of ischaemia and neuropathy. Many lesions of the diabetic foot are avoidable and thus patient education, the excellent foot care and wearing of suitable shoes is of immense importance.