The Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot and Wound Clinic aims to protect and care for the feet of patients with diabetes. Foot care is a critical part of treating diabetic patients, as they are two to five times more likely than other individuals to develop foot problems. Such conditions may include perhipheral artery disease, or restricted blood flow to the legs and feet, as well as neuropathy, or nerve pain and nerve damage. These problems can cause sores and injuries on the feet that may go unnoticed until foot ulcers develop. Further diabetes complications may follow, which could ultimately lead to foot amputation.

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According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 60 percent of all lower-limb amputations occur in people with diabetes. The Amputee Coalition of America reports that up to 55 percent of those who have had an amputation will experience the loss of their second leg within two to three years. At the Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot and Wound Clinic, patients can receive regular consultation, treatment and education to prevent foot problems and amputation whenever possible. Patients can meet with a vascular surgeon, podiatrist and endocrinologist all in the same clinic. This comprehensive approach allows for better management of any foot issues relating to diabetes and has been shown to decrease the overall risk of amputation.

For more information on diabetes treatment, visit the Johns Hopkins Diabetes Center.