Summary
In elderly patients with diabetes mellitus and mild deterioration of the lower extremities, peripheral artery disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy may contribute to the development of a diabetic foot syndrome. Early diagnosis and intervention can help to preserve the foot and thus significantly increase quality of life with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures being the same in elderly and in young patients.
Non-invasive diagnosis is possible in most bed-ridden patients and should take into account reasonable therapeutic options against the background of overall morbidity, physical performance and quality of life, which should be discussed with the patient and his relatives. Multidisciplinary care structures facilitate treatment and might lead to reduced amputation rates and an improved well-being.
Keywords
Diabetic foot syndrome - peripheral arterial disease - quality of life
