Abstract

Evolution of the diabetes caregiver: tying together limb salvage and patient education

Author(s): Sabina Malhotra & John Steinberg

The prevalence of diabetes along with its associated foot complications is an increasing dilemma throughout the developed world. Over the past two decades, a new breed of healthcare providers has evolved with a focus on treating these diabetic patients, specifically in the arenas of wound care and limb salvage. Notably, diabetic patients themselves are becoming more involved to take on a larger role in the self-management of this disease. As such, we take a closer look at the ‘diabetes caregiver’ as part of a multidisciplinary team and highlight the importance of educating and empowering our patients to help establish a new standard for providing top-tiered diabetic foot care and amputation prevention.