Leading Podiatry Experts Issue Consensus to Drive Prevention Programs and Policies
SOMERVILLE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#diabetes–Podimetrics, a leader in innovative solutions for complex diabetes care, released a new report focused on preventing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and reducing related amputations. The report draws on insights from a panel of leading podiatry experts who convened at the APMA Annual Meeting in July to address the significant burden of DFUs. Their discussion highlighted best practices for prevention, including the use of remote temperature monitoring. The report offers actionable recommendations for the healthcare system, emphasizing standardized care protocols, technology integration, and the delivery of interdisciplinary care.
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and related amputations impose a significant burden on both patients and the U.S. healthcare system. One in four individuals with diabetes will experience DFUs during their lifetime, and 33% of total diabetes-related expenditures go toward treating lower extremity complications.1,2 DFUs are the leading cause of amputations, however, 75% of these ulcers are preventable.3,4
“Preventing diabetic foot ulcers is not just a clinical challenge, it’s a public health imperative,” said Gary Rothenberg, DPM, Panel Chair & Moderator, and Medical Affairs Director of Podimetrics. “Our report provides the healthcare system with recommendations to prevent these complications and life-altering amputations,” added Dr. Rothenberg.
The report provides guidance for providers, payors and patients to facilitate prevention programs and policies for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Some of the key recommendations include:
- Implementing interdisciplinary and patient-centered strategies, along with ensuring equitable access to preventive care.
- Raising awareness among the public, clinicians, and policymakers to transform prevention efforts from a reactive approach to a proactive one.
- Utilizing remote temperature monitoring (RTM) for early intervention especially for high-risk individuals with a history of foot ulcers, neuropathy, and peripheral artery disease.
The panel discussed the importance of RTM for prevention and noted it keeps diabetic foot care a top priority for patients. It enhances compliance and provides crucial information to providers about patients between visits. Rebecca Burmeister, Chief of Podiatry of the Iowa City VA Region and one of the panelists, stated, “I personally believe that many ulcers have been prevented by using RTM. It also provides a means to increase patient engagement outside of scheduled appointments,” she added.
The panel agreed that the success of an RTM program should be measured through a combination of clinical outcomes, such as reduced ulcer recurrence and lower healthcare utilization, along with improvements in patient quality of life, caregiver confidence, technology acceptance, and workflow efficiency.
A key theme throughout the report is the importance of awareness, and it serves as a practical, evidence-based guide to support clinicians in managing all patients living with diabetes to avoid lower extremity complications. The report is available to download on the Podimetrics website.
About Podimetrics
Podimetrics provides a virtual care solution combining advanced remote monitoring with personalized support empowering individuals with complex diabetes to reduce complications, lower costs, and improve outcomes. Our approach begins with diabetic foot health and addresses the broader health challenges faced by people with diabetes. At the core of our solution is the SmartMat™— a scientifically validated technology integrating clinical intelligence and real-time monitoring to detect complications before they start. By enabling timely, targeted interventions, we help payors, providers, and patients prevent serious complications, saving lives and limbs.
- Armstrong, et al. N Eng J Med. 2017
- Armstrong, et al. J Foot Ankle Res. 2020
- Hicks, et al. Ann Vasc Surg. 2016
- Bus, SA, et al. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2021
Contacts
Lori Taylor
Vice President, Marketing
813-220-9702 | [email protected]
