ABSTRACT
Globally there were estimated to be approximately 135 million adults with diabetes in 1995, by the year 2025 the figure is expected to rise to 300 million. Currently, it can be presumed that the figure is around 175 million, which means there are 350 million feet which have the potential to progress to foot pathology. Several studies have shown that comprehensive footcare programmes including education, regular foot examination, identification of high risk feet, risk categorization, and longterm surveillance of high risk feet can reduce the occurrence of foot lesions in upto 50% of patients. The International consensus on the diabetic foot has identified five cornerstones for prevention:
• Regular inspection and examination of the feet and footwear. • Identification of the high risk patient. • Education of patient, family and healthcare providers. • Appropriate footwear. • Treatment of nonulcerative pathology.
