Search

Almost 4.1 million people in the UK are registered as having diabetes – a figure that has almost doubled in the past 15 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses increase in lower limb amputation uncovered by group of specialists from the Canary Islands Health Service, and mentions sensation loss in feet experienced by people with diabetes. Topics discussed include medical technology program TECMED to transfer equipment and tools used in astro-physical research to health care branches, detectors for infrared light featured by several telescopes, and development of Prototype for INfi·aREd analysis of Lower Limbs (PINRELL).

Why you should read this article: • To learn about the types of diabetes mellitus and associated presentation • To refresh your knowledge of the complications that are associated with diabetes • To understand the nurse's role in managing patients with diabetes The incidence of diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing, and this condition often results in significant metabolic disease and severe complications. Nurses have a crucial role in monitoring, educating and supporting people with diabetes, as well as their families and significant others. This article provides an overview of the main types and common symptoms of diabetes, its acute and long-term complications and its management. It also outlines the nurse's role in diabetes care, which frequently includes assessing and empowering patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of the normal stages of wound healing and how to differentiate between acute wounds and chronic wounds • To understand the patient-related factors that can support and inhibit wound healing • To support the early identification of chronic wounds using a holistic patient assessment, thus promoting effective wound healing Wounds have traditionally been classified as acute or chronic. While this classification is useful when attempting to estimate healing times, it might lead to an acceptance that some wounds will take longer to heal or might not heal at all. Chronic wounds can adversely affect patients' quality of life, and the management of these wounds may involve significant healthcare resources and costs. Chronic wounds rarely develop in healthy individuals and are often associated with pre-existing conditions that complicate wound healing, such as diabetes mellitus and vascular disease. This article discusses how acute wounds and chronic wounds are differentiated. It details the phases of wound healing and identifies potential barriers to progression through these phases. Enhancing nurses' understanding of chronic wounds will enable them to identify any potential barriers to wound healing early and remove or ameliorate them. While a holistic assessment should also include a thorough assessment of the wound itself, this is beyond the scope of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Diabetic foot' is a term used to describe a group of syndromes in which neuropathy and/or ischaemia lead to tissue breakdown and reduced resistance to infection in a patient with diabetes mellitus. Foot ulceration is a serious and potentially limb-threatening complication of diabetes that can lead to pain, tissue necrosis and amputation, and may significantly affect an individual's well-being and mobility. Foot complications also have wider economic implications for healthcare services. Therefore, it is important to reduce the risk of foot complications through regular foot assessments and providing patient education and appropriate referral to specialist services. This article discusses foot complications in people with diabetes, outlining the causes, signs and symptoms, and associated risk factors. It also outlines the assessment and prevention measures that patients and healthcare practitioners can take to reduce the risk of foot complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient Focus With Proper Knowledge, They CanComplete Self-Examinations andBe Adherent to Clinical Exams DIABETES PHARMACISTS ARE NO STRANGERS to the increasing prevalence ofdiabetes, but many are unaware that 15% to 25% of patients developfoot complications, so they should keep several points in mind whenoffering counseling.1 DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS, INFECTIONS Because diabetic neuropathy tends to develop in these patients, theylose pedal sensation. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive andKidney Diseases suggests that a diabetes care plan includinga podiatrist is vital to patients' health.6,7 Table 28 providesexamples of counseling points that pharmacists shouldcommunicate to all patients. [Extracted from the article]

Good management of diabetes can reduce the risk of complications of the disease. When not well managed, diabetes is associated with the complications of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputations. Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the feet and cause a loss of feeling. As a result, foot injuries do not heal well and the person may not realise that their foot is sore or injured. Damage to the foot may lead to the development of foot ulcers, which if left untreated may result in amputation of the limb. Preventive care is a priority, but when complications occur the next step is to halt progression. Therefore, effective foot care and timely treatment of foot ulcers are important in preserving foot function and mobility, and preventing amputation in adults with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that can reduce patients' quality of life, and is a major risk factor for foot ulceration and limb amputation. This article outlines the aetiological and pathological factors involved in the development of diabetic foot ulceration through the use of a case study. The role of diabetes foot screening is explored as a preventive measure, and the importance of risk assessment and stratification, and appropriate referral are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principles of moist wound healing have become widely accepted since the seminal work of George Winter in the 1960s. In the subsequent 50 years, many publications have extolled the clinical value of modern or advanced wound dressings. This article reviews the findings of two studies arguing that the benefits of advanced wound care products, which are based largely on the principles of moist wound healing, cannot be justified in terms of healing outcomes or cost effectiveness. These studies have the potential to affect clinical practice and decision making, and the article highlights the importance of analysing and interpreting the findings of such studies cautiously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. Patients need to be informed of the effects of poorly managed diabetes and appropriate care to prevent diabetic neuropathy. This article provides a brief overview of the main complications associated with diabetes and discusses the different types of diabetic neuropathy. Risk factors in the development of diabetic foot ulcers are identified and the importance of timely assessment is recognised. Treatment and management of diabetic foot ulcers is discussed in relation to blood glucose control, infection, wound care, sleep and pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the efforts to effectively prevent amputations among diabetes patients in Great Britain as of mid-November 2016, particularly improving the training of non-specialist staff and improved foot care. Also cited are the comment by Poole National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust lead diabetes nurse Ruth Miller on the topic, the Public Health England data on foot amputations, and Diabetes UK's Putting Feet First campaign.

The number of diabetes-related amputations in the UK is at record levels. More than 8,800 procedures were carried out in 2016/17 which equates to 25 minor and major amputations a day, or more than 170 a week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a 2019 study, published in the "International Wound Journal," which evaluated the effect of a borate-based bioactive glass fiber called MIRRAGEN Advanced Wound Matrix in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Topics covered include the potential of bioactive glass for treating chronic diabetic foot ulcers, the design of the study and the limitations of the study, such as the lack of investigator blinding.

The article offers information on the adult screening services in the Great Britain. It discusses that by offering them from more locations and at more convenient times, participation rates among target audiences, who are virtually all of working age, would be improved from current rates of a little over 60 percent; and mentions that patients were delighted that three hospital trips had been reduced to a single visit.

The article discusses the rise in the type 2 diabetes and focuses on the suggestions of caring skin from infections, especially foot care. The article also discusses several problems of people with diabetes and suggests resources and recommendations for diabetic foot care. An overview of several Over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products are also discussed.

The article provides information on courses, workshops and conferences for nurses scheduled in Great Britain for 2016 that include a workshop on blood pressure measurement hosted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Belfast, England, training session on effective nurse prescribing in London, England, and a conference on improving practice in the prevention and management of diabetic foot problems in London.

Statistics related to health issues is presented including the ratio of children declared obese or overweight for the period 2014-2015, the number of antidepressant drugs dispensed for 2015 as compared to 2014, and the percentage of reduction in hospital-acquired foot ulcers.

The article offers medical news briefs related to foot health, as of May 2016. Topics include a study by the American Diabetes Association on the association of diabetic foot patients with impaired cognitive function, a study by the journal "BMC Muscoskeletal Disorders" regarding health impact of tomatoes on gout and a study by the "Journal of Foot and Ankle Injuries" on increased high-heel related injuries in women.

The article discusses the higher rate of foot diseases and injuries among the homeless, and their difficulty in accessing foot care services. Topics discussed include the new guidelines released by the Queen's Nursing Institute on the improvement of foot health among homeless people, the causes and risk factors, and treatment. A comment from Cheryl Day, lead matron and Queen's Nurse, is also presented wherein she talks about a lack of empathy, raising awareness, and holistic care.

The article reports on the updated referral guidelines issued by the non-departmental public body National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for people with diabetic food problems in Great Britain. The recommendations outlined in the guidelines include the need for practice and community nurses to refer diabetic foot patients to a multidisciplinary foot care service and monitor the glucose levels of children and adults with type 1 diabetes.

The article discusses the things to consider when providing foot care to patients with diabetes. The essential facts about amputation risk for diabetic patients are provided. The signs and symptoms, as well as the causes and risk factors for diabetes-related amputations are offered. Also provided is a comment from an expert on the importance of foot check-up for diabetic patients. INSET: Expert comment.

The article presents 2014 news on medicine. An initiative to improve patient hydration at Buckinghamshire Healthcare National Health Service Trust has resulted in a 38% increase in patients who have drinking water within their reach. British parents who have lost a child can receive information from nurses on a charity called the Child Funeral Charity which can provide assistance with paying for funerals. Steve Flanagan, Royal College of Nursing north west regional director, will retire in 2014.

The article presents 2014 information on medical topics, including information on diabetes amputation prevention training for nurses in Fiji, a lack of safe nurse staffing levels in Taiwan and a nursing protest in India.

In this article the author reflects on a unique experience in which she assisted a patient who had requested that his leg, which was due to be amputated due to complications of diabetes, be cremated. In the article she offers her thoughts on the experience, on the need to address the spiritual needs of patients and on the physiological, psychological and social support needs of amputees.

We must help patients to spot problems early, says Barbara Young. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and on the challenges that are associated with treating diabetic foot ulcers. In the article the author reflects on the ways in which reading an article on diabetic foot ulcer treatment improved her knowledge of neuropathy and her ability to care for patients with foot ulcers.

A quiz on diabetic neuropathy is presented.

The article discusses research on the adherence of diabetes patients to wearing custom-made footwear to prevent diabetic foot ulcers, referencing a study published in the January 15, 2013 online issue of "Diabetes Care."

The article discusses various research on diabetes. A study published in the November 2012 issue of "Diabetologia" found a link between diabetic foot ulcers and premature death of diabetic patients. The study from the National Institutes of Health revealed that weight loss does not reduce risk of cardiovascular events in people who have type 2 diabetes.

The article provides information on research which examined the association of major depression with the risk of incident diabetic foot ulcers.

The article presents news briefs regarding nursing in Great Britain. An inclusion and diversity research center is set to launch at the University of Bradford. A study at the University of Bristol has shown that many parents with learning disabilities are not provided with the support they need because of eligibility criteria. The National Diabetes Support Team has released new guidelines on diabetic foot care.