The Diabetic Foot Committee
The Diabetic Foot Committee is dedicated to addressing the severe and growing impact of diabetic foot complications on individuals with diabetes and on healthcare systems.
Objectives of the Diabetic Foot Committee:
- Support the implementation of the IWGDF Guidelines across Europe.
- Define the gaps between recommendations and clinical practice in selected regions across Europe.
- Initiate and support projects aiming to reduce these gaps.
- Support improved prevention of wounds across sectors.
- Support rehabilitation after amputation.
- Maintain and renew a strong network of Diabetic Foot specialists (Ensuring pan-European collaboration, e.g., in research activities and data collection.
- Support education in Diabetic Foot Ulcer management.
The Diabetic Foot Committee Members
José Luis Lázaro Martínez, Spain (Chair)
Alberto Piaggesi, Italy
Ana Lamza, Croatia
Armin Koller, Germany
Carolyn Macintosh, Ireland
Cecilia Morgantini, Sweden
Chiara Goretti, Italy
Jan Apelqvist, Sweden
José Ramón March, Spain
Katarina Noronen, Finland
Klaus Kirketerp-Møller, Denmark
Magdalena Annersten Gershater, Sweden
Marco Meloni, Italy
Maria Iakova, Switzerland
Natália Santos, Portugal
Paul Chadwick, UK
Prash Vas, UK
Vladimira Fejfarová, Czech Republic
The Diabetic Foot
The term “diabetic foot” refers to a range of complications that can affect individuals with diabetes, primarily due to poor blood circulation and nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. The most common complication is the diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), a wound or open sore that typically occurs on the bottom of the foot. These ulcers can develop without pain, making them particularly dangerous as patients may not notice them until they worsen. Untreated DFUs often lead to infection and, in severe cases, require amputation. Prevention, early detection, and timely intervention are crucial to managing diabetic foot complications and improving the quality of life for patients.
The impact of a Diabetic Foot
Diabetic foot complications are a major health issue worldwide. Up to one-third of people with diabetes may develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime, with a high risk of recurrence once healed. Diabetic foot ulcers are also a leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations. In addition to the personal toll, diabetic foot complications pose a substantial burden on healthcare systems due to the high costs associated with wound care, infection management, and surgical intervention.
The Alarming Reality of Diabetic Foot Complications
- Every 1.2 seconds – someone develops a diabetic foot ulcer.
- Every 20 seconds – someone, somewhere, loses a limb due to diabetes.
- Diabetic foot ulcer patients face healthcare costs that are twice as high as those with diabetes alone.
- After a major amputation, 50% of individuals will lose their other limb within two years.
- The five-year mortality rate following a limb amputation is 68% – almost as high as lung cancer.
Data Source: Armstrong DG, Boulton AJ, Bus SA. Diabetic foot facts and figures. DiabeticFootOnline. Accessed [11/11/2024].
Upcoming meetings
Kick-Off Meeting for the Spanish Diabetic Foot Project – Madrid, December 12, 2024
The Diabetic Foot Committee will launch the Spanish Project, bringing together regional leaders, clinicians, and specialists in diabetic foot care from across Spain. This inaugural meeting invites heads of Spanish clinics and key opinion leaders in diabetic foot management to collaborate on creating a unified and effective approach to diabetic foot care in Spain.
The objective of this meeting is to establish a framework similar to the Diabetic Foot Valley model in Tuscany, which enhances care pathways and outcomes for individuals at risk of diabetic foot complications. Attendees will discuss strategies for improving patient care, promoting early intervention, and building a strong network of expertise in diabetic foot management across Spain.
EWMA GNEAUPP Conference in Barcelona
The EWMA Diabetic Foot Committee as well as the members of the Spanish Project will convene during the upcoming EWMA GNEAUPP Barcelona Conference on 26-28 March 2025.
The Diabetic Foot Committee meeting will bring together its members and experts in diabetic foot care to discuss ongoing projects, recent advancements, and challenges in diabetic foot management. The objective of this meeting is to further develop standardized care protocols and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes in diabetic foot care across Europe.
Industry supporters
The committee is kindly supported by the following companies:
