SOMERVILLE, Massachusetts — Podimetrics, a company specializing in innovative solutions for complex diabetes care, has released a new report aimed at preventing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and reducing related amputations. The report is based on insights from a panel of leading podiatry experts who convened during the APMA Annual Meeting in July to address the substantial burden posed by DFUs on patients and the U.S. healthcare system.
DFUs affect roughly one in four individuals with diabetes during their lifetimes, and lower extremity complications represent about one-third of total diabetes-related healthcare expenditures. DFUs are also the leading cause of amputations, despite evidence that an estimated 75 percent of these ulcers can be prevented.
“Preventing diabetic foot ulcers is not just a clinical challenge, it’s a public health imperative,” said Gary Rothenberg, DPM, the panel chair, moderator and medical affairs director at Podimetrics. “Our report provides the healthcare system with recommendations to prevent these complications and life-altering amputations.”
The report outlines recommendations for providers, payors and patients to support prevention-focused programs and policies. Key guidance includes implementing interdisciplinary, patient-centered strategies; ensuring equitable access to preventive care; and increasing awareness among patients, clinicians and policymakers to shift efforts toward proactive prevention.
The panel also emphasized the importance of remote temperature monitoring (RTM) as an early intervention tool, especially for individuals at high risk due to prior ulcers, neuropathy or peripheral artery disease. Experts noted that RTM enhances patient engagement, improves compliance and provides valuable information to clinicians between visits.
“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,” said Rebecca Burmeister, chief of podiatry for the Iowa City VA Region and a member of the expert panel.
The panel concluded that the effectiveness of RTM programs should be evaluated using a combination of clinical outcomes—such as reduced ulcer recurrence and lower healthcare utilization—as well as improvements in patient quality of life, caregiver confidence, technology acceptance and workflow efficiency.
