Diabetic Foot Disease during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Throughout 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the care of non-communicable diseases across the world and diabetes is no exception. Whereas many branches of medicine have adapted to telemedicine, this is difficult and challenging for the diabetic foot which often requires hands on treatment. This review covers the challenges that have faced clinicians across the world in the management of complex diabetic foot problems and also includes some illustrative case vignettes which show how it is possible to manage foot ulcers without the usual access to laboratory and radiological testing. There is no doubt that the COVID-19 experience when handling diabetic foot problems will likely transform our approach to the management of diabetic foot disease especially in the areas of digital health and smart technology.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges for the care of diabetic foot worldwide, especially with the difficulties of telemedicine for hands-on treatment. By addressing the challenges through the COVID-19 experience, our approach to managing diabetic foot disease might be transformed, particularly in the areas of digital health and smart technology.