All patients with diabetes should have access to structured diabetic foot care as a staged approach to the management of diabetes can reduce lower extremity amputation rates by 50% [Rith-Najarian et al, 1998]. Multidisciplinary teams may include a diabetes physician, specialist nurse, podiatrist, orthotist and vascular and orthopedic surgeons. Inclusion of a podiatrist in a multidisciplinary foot care team can reduce the number and size of foot calluses and improves self-care [Ronnemaa et al, 1997]. This approach to foot care allows intensive treatment, timely control of infection and rapid access to specialists, resulting in more successful wound healing and foot-saving amputations. In the long-term this will reduce the need for major amputations [Larsson et al, 1995].

Encouraging a proactive approach to foot care will increase awareness of diabetic foot problems. This will improve both screening and education programs, resulting in a significant reduction in the incidence of foot ulcers and amputations.

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