The lower limb in people with diabetes - Position statement of the Australian Diabetes Society

Diabetic fewer-limb problems result in significant social, medical and econ omic consequences and are the most common cause of hospitalisation for peop le with diabetes. In people with diabetes, amputations are 15 times more common than in peopl e without diabetes, and 50% of all amputations occur in people with diabete s. Peripheral neuropathy, vascular disease, infection and deformity of the fee t are the major predisposing factors leading to ulceration or amputation. Ail people with diabetes should receive basic footcare education, and regul ar foot examinations. The risk for the development of ulceration can be assessed by basic clinica l examination of the foot. Management strategies depend on the risk category, and range from basic edu cation and annual review to specialist care by a multidisciplinary team.