The diabetic foot: quality of life.

A literature search investigated the health-related quality of life of patients with foot complications associated with diabetes. There are very few data on the life experiences of patients with infection and diabetic foot ulceration. The potential consequence of infection, in terms of amputation, is the focus of some studies, in which immobility and a restricted social life are potential areas of concern, although the location of the amputation may confound these results. The health-related quality of life for patients with diabetic foot ulceration may be poorer than that experienced by those who had amputation, because many of the patients live with the fear of recurrence of ulceration, repeated bouts of infection, and potential life-long disability. The clinical and academic communities must work together to improve the data on this important outcome measure so that we can work with patients to improve preventive care and treatment options.