Avoiding foot complications in diabetes

Abstract

The financial and economic burden of diabetic foot complications such as ulcers and amputations is well known. Many of these complications can be avoided by using a multidisciplinary approach to care.
Accurate assessment of the feet of people with diabetes should be performed annually. This enables healthcare practitioners to identify the at-risk foot and initiate appropriate management.
The pathways to ulceration are outlined and the screening process is explained. Recommendations are made for practice in in South Africa.