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Abstract Diabetes is a serious health problem that affects a growing number of people. It is caused by both hereditary and environmental factors. It causes serious complications, such as kidney failure, blindness, but diabetic foot is the complication that takes the greatest tool. More than 60% of LEAs in the USA occur in people with diabetes. Most amputations related to diabetes begin with a foot ulcer. Diabetic foot ulcers commonly result from neuropathy and /or ischemia. Foot ulcers in diabetes result from multiple pathophysiolgical mechanisms, including neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, increased susceptibility to infection and biomechanical abnormalities. To diagnose diabetic foot, history must be obtained from the patient to address several specific diabetic foot issues. All patients with diabetes require a pedal inspection whenever they present to any health care practitioner, and they should receive a thorough lower extremity examination at least once annually as recommended by American Diabetes Association. Diabetic foot examination include: vascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, dermatological and footwear examination. The prevention of diabetic foot complications requires a proactive approach involving the person with diabetes, family/care givers and an interdisciplinary team of health care providers. Education is an essential element in the empowerment of people with diabetes, helping to develop an effective partnership between healthcare professionals and the individual, which is key to achieving effective care. |