The Effect of Diabetes Foot Care Education on Lower Limb Amputation Rates

Hannah Lazenby

Diabetes is an ever-growing problem in the United States, with over 1/10th of the population having a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 Diabetes and many more being undiagnosed. In healthcare settings, doctors, nurses, and even nursing students see firsthand how the condition affects the physical and mental health of a patient. In addition, most lower limb amputations that occur in the United States occur in diabetic patients. Research was done with the main question being, in patients with diabetes, does education regarding foot care decrease the incidence of lower limb amputation? A literature review of the current research on the topic was conducted. To meet the requirements for inclusion in this review, the articles had to be primary, peer reviewed, and written within the past 10 years. Five relevant articles were found in the CINAHL and PubMed databases using the key words “diabetes”, “foot care”, and “education.” In addition to scholarly research articles, this review included one best clinical practice guideline and a current agency policy. The results of this literature review were inconclusive. A gap was discovered in our knowledge concerning the benefits of foot care education for diabetic patients. More research is needed.

• Hannah Lazenby is a graduating senior nursing student from Spartanburg, SC. Her involvement on campus has included being a peer tutor and the treasurer of Lander's Student Nurses Association and a member of the Honors College. Once she graduates this May, she will be working as an oncology nurse.