Prevention and care of diabetic foot complications continue to represe
nt a major challenge to the treating clinician. Neuropathy, infection,
deformity, and vascular insufficiency threaten the diabetic foot and
the overall functional well being of the diabetic patient. Although fo
ot problems in diabetes cannot be eradicated completely, the opportuni
ty exists to diagnose and manage diabetic foot conditions effectively,
to educate and motivate patients to care for their feet, to minimize
complications, and to decrease health care costs.