Introduction:

In the past decade, the incidence of diabetes mellitus has increased exorbitantly around the world and foot ulcer has become the most serious and costly complication, leading to possible amputation or even death.

Objective:

To know the perception of diabetic patients attached to CESFAM BelarminaParedes, Futrono, Chile, regarding the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcers in 2015.

Materials and methods:

Qualitative research through intrinsic case study. Non-probabilistic intentional samples of cases based on criteria and convenience (12 patients), who signed an informed consent. Information was obtained through focus groups and analysis was made using data reduction. Validity was endorsed by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad de La Frontera.

Results:

Two qualitative domains were obtained out of 495 units of analysis obtained in Level I and their consequent reduction in Level III: "Concepts and experiences lived as a result of illness and healthcare team role" and "Contributions to improve quality of care".

Conclusion:

Participants consider that foot ulcer is a wound. Unaware of the risks, they deem amputation as a sequel. However, patients have etiological knowledge, describe signs and symptoms, and reveal pharmacological treatment. Additionally, they state changes in daily life, work absence and degree of dependency.

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