Early identification of large artery and small vessel disease in the legs and feet is essential to prevent diabetic foot ulceration and amputation. As disease in the arteries of the leg is also often the first clinical sign of disease in arteries around the heart, timely diagnosis can also prevent progression of heart disease and death. The currently recommended test for large vessel screening for people with diabetes is not as accurate as other available tests. By identifying the best ways to assess blood flow in the leg for people with diabetes we aim to reduce the number of complications and amputations secondary to diabetes related blood vessel disease.
Dr Vivienne Chuter, Ms Peta Craike