Multidisciplinary approach in hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Application of the WHASA wheel on the diabetic foot

Abstract

With the soaring number of patients diagnosed with diabetes worldwide, it is estimated that over 380 million people will be affected by the year 2025. Of these, the life time risk for developing a diabetic foot ulcer will be about 15%.1 The cost burden of managing a single foot ulcer episode is enormous; it affects patients, medical aids and public health care. Current estimates, based on 2001 cost figures, range between $1 892$27 721 for the management of a single ulcer depending on severity.2 A diabetic foot at risk carries a 19.6% risk of developing a subsequent infection.3 Thirty percent of diabetic foot conditions ultimately end up with an amputation.2