Diabetes specialists in India are increasingly concerned about foot infections among diabetic patients, as these often lead to serious complications like lower limb amputations. Currently, about 15% of diabetics in India suffer from diabetic foot infections (DFI), which are commonly caused by bacteria like Pseudomonas, E. coli, and S. aureus.
The recent guidelines from the US FDA, titled ‘Diabetic Foot Infections: Developing Drugs for Treatment’, have been welcomed by the Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. These guidelines focus on clinical trial protocols and emphasize the urgent need for developing effective treatments for DFIs that avoid complications involving bones and joints.
From an Indian perspective, the Diabetic Foot Society of India has initiated a registry protocol to establish a comprehensive nationwide database. This database aims to analyze outcomes from diabetic foot surgeries across the country, thereby enhancing the quality of surgical care and facilitating ongoing research efforts.
Dr. Amey Pednekar, a consultant in plastic and cosmetic surgery at Manipal Hospital, highlights the significant impact of non-healing wounds among diabetic patients. These wounds not only cause physical discomfort but also impose considerable financial burdens due to prolonged treatment requirements.
The US FDA’s guidance underscores the multifaceted approach needed for treating DFIs, which includes procedures like debridement (removal of dead tissue), drainage of abscesses, optimizing blood flow, managing glycemic levels, administering appropriate antibiotics, and using specialized dressings for wound healing.
Dr. Mani Deepthi Dasari, an endocrinologist at Apollo Hospitals, emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing diabetic foot issues. This approach involves wound assessment, surgical interventions to remove necrotic tissue, and various treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy to promote healing.
Dr. Gauri Shankar Akula, a consultant in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery at Kauvery Hospital, stresses the necessity of early detection and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers to prevent infections and improve patient outcomes. This involves regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, assessing blood flow in the limbs, and implementing self-care and rehabilitation strategies.
Overall, the recent guidelines from the US FDA for drug development in diabetic foot infections are seen as timely and crucial by experts in the field of diabetes management in India. They aim to advance treatment options and enhance the quality of life for diabetic patients at risk of foot complications.