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Review
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Korean J Intern Med. 2026;41(1):47-59. Published online January 1, 2026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2024.446
- Advanced strategies for the management of patients with diabetic foot ulcers: a comprehensive review
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Ji Min Kim1, Chong Hwa Kim2, Seon Mee Kang3, Jung Hwa Jung4,5, Ki Chun Kim6, Sanghyun Ahn7, Tae Sun Park8, Ie Byung Park9
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1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
2Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Sejong General Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
3Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
4Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
5Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
6Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
7Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
8Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
9Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
- Corresponding author: Ie Byung Park ,Tel: +82-32-458-2545, Fax: +82-32-460-4320, Email: park712@gilhospital.com
- Received: December 31, 2024; Revised: March 28, 2025 Accepted: September 26, 2025.
- Abstract
- Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are among the most serious and common complications of diabetes mellitus. They significantly affect patients’ quality of life and impose a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. In Korea, the prevalence of diabetes and related complications, such as DFUs, has been increasing, reflecting a broader global trend. DFUs are associated with severe complications, including infections, neuropathy, and peripheral arterial disease, often leading to amputation. In Korea, diabetic foot complications are a major cause of non-traumatic lower-extremity amputations, with high mortality rates following amputation. DFUs also significantly reduce patients’ quality of life and increase healthcare costs. The management of DFUs requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates medical, surgical, and advanced therapeutic interventions to prevent severe outcomes, such as amputation. This comprehensive review of DFU management in patients with diabetes was developed in collaboration with the Diabetic Study Group of the Korean Diabetes Association and Korean Society for Diabetic Foot. This review examines the epidemiology, clinical significance, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of DFUs.
Keywords :Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic foot; Foot ulcer; Diabetic neuropathy; Peripheral arterial disease
