Foot guide

Abstract

T he National Diabetes Support Team (NDST) has recently published a guide for the care of the diabetic foot to assist in strategy development and implementation to achieve the high quality care set out in the standards of the National Service Framework (NSF) for Diabetes. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2006;6:139-40

The foot attack: Where are the defence mechanisms?

“…1 The examination should include a check for corns, calluses or changes in the shape of the feet as well as assessment of peripheral nerve function and pulses in the feet plus advice about foot care, including protection with correctly fitted footwear. Unfortunately, 15% of people with diabetes are not getting their annual foot check and there is variation between regions, ranging from 47-87% and 73-90% of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes respectively 7 ( Figure 1).…”

“…Diabetes increases the risk of amputation 20-30 fold and amputation rates vary widely from one area to another -in the worst performing area a person with diabetes is ten times more likely 1 Croydon University Hospital, Croydon, UK 2 Policy and Care Improvement, Diabetes UK, London, UK CURRENT TOPICS to have a major amputation than in the best. 7, 8 The footcare pathway appears to be key to facilitating best practice.…”

“…The National Diabetes Support Team guide for the care of the diabetic foot considered screening, prevention, care pathways and multidisciplinary care provision to assist in strategic development and implementation to achieve high quality care. 1 However the challenge remains. In addition to healthcare systems improving, patient awareness (eg regular self/carer inspection of feet) can prevent and reduce the progression of several conditions.…”