Diabetic foot ulcer, a poorly known complication
Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most severe complications of diabetes. Diabetes affects 425 million people worldwide. It is estimated that in their lifetime, 19 to 34% of diabetic patients will develop a foot ulcer.
In 50% of cases, this wound will become infected, which can then be life-threatening. The infection can affect the bone and increases the risk of amputation. After an amputation, life expectancy of patients does not exceed 5 years in almost 70% of cases, a life expectancy lower than that of some cancers. To avoid these risks, the main challenge is to reduce these wounds healing time.
Because each day without a wound means one more day without risk. Therefore, raising patients and caregivers’ awareness on the seriousness of diabetic foot ulceration is key.
Supporting prevention and awareness
Prevention is key to avoid diabetes-related complications.
In this context, the URGO Foundation is working towards a better management of diabetic foot ulcer.
The Foundation organizes the “Jean-Louis Richard Days” every two years – Jean-Louis Richard is the name of a diabetologist who had devoted his life to this pathology. This event brings together about forty healthcare professionals eager to be trained by experts through a multidisciplinary approach. The last session took place in 2019 and comparable actions have been launched in other countries.
The URGO Foundation also rewards prevention and innovative management of diabetic foot ulcerations initiatives. It awards €100,000 in prizes, allocated between France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and China.
As part of a partnership with DFoot International, which gathers healthcare professionals, the Foundation has also developed digital teaching modules to help training healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and management of this diabetes complication.
