Diabetic neuropathies are the most common chronic complications, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 50% in people with diabetes.

Despite several substantial advancements in diabetes healthcare delivery over the last decade, diabetic foot problems continue to impact the diabetic patient's quality of life significantly. Patients who have had an amputation have a poor prognosis: the contralateral limb is at risk, and only 50% of these patients survive the first three years. These issues may be exacerbated in Type 2 diabetic patients, 50% of whom are over 65 years old. Poor vision, isolated social situations, neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease often predispose these people to significant foot ulcers.