Saint Benoit

Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is a serious complication seen in people with diabetes, often leading to non-traumatic lower-limb amputation and linked to cognitive decline and lower quality of life. Despite advances in medical care, patients with DFU face a higher risk of early death, which may be due to factors beyond cardiovascular disease, such as inflammation, infections, and cancers. This research aims to be the first prospective, observational, multi-center cohort study in France to explore the 5-year mortality rate and its causes among patients with DFU, along with identifying important factors that predict outcomes. The study will include adults with diabetes who have a foot ulcer or an open lower-limb amputation wound caused by diabetic complications. Participants will be enrolled over a 3-year period starting in 2020 and followed for up to 5 years or until death. This observational study will use data from multiple centers across France and will also evaluate changes in health-related quality of life and the economic impact of DFU on the French healthcare system by using national claims databases. During the study, participants will be monitored for their health status, including the risk of diabetic foot ulcer recurrence or worsening, and causes of death over five years. Researchers will collect data on quality of life and healthcare costs to better understand the burden of DFU. The primary outcome measured will be the DFU risk score assessed 5 years after inclusion, providing insights into prognosis and factors influencing survival and health outcomes in this population.