A Prospective Study of Endothelial Dysfunction and Diabetic Foot Ulcer Risk

This project will identify risk factors for diabetic foot ulcer by studying the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and foot ulcer risk. A fundamental defect in type 1 and 2 diabetic subjects is impaired vasodilatory reserve which is reflected in the dysfunction of endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Findings thus far point to an important role of the microvasculature in the development of diabetic foot ulcer and amputation. In this study a a well-characterized cohort of 750 diabetic veterans without foot ulcer will be followed over 3-years.