Diabetic foot attack: Managing severe sepsis in the diabetic patient

Core Tip

Core Tip: Diabetic foot attack (DFA) represents the most severe presentation of diabetic foot disease, with typical and atypical forms that require distinct management strategies. A typical DFA results from a severe infection of the foot, propagated by the associated diabetic pathophysiology, leading to rapid spread of infection, tissue necrosis and potential systemic sepsis. An atypical DFA arises from either ischemia or Charcot arthropathy. Effective management of DFA necessitates early diagnosis, aggressive treatment of infections, and a multidisciplinary approach involving critical care, surgical intervention, and diabetes management teams. Current treatment practices are informed by guidelines for diabetic foot infections, but there is a critical need for dedicated research to develop standardized protocols for DFA management. This review highlights the urgent need for comprehensive care and research to optimize outcomes for patients experiencing DFA.