[The diabetic foot--view of the primary care physician]

When dealing with feet of diabetic patients, disciplined and structured action on the part of the primary care physician--general practitioner or specialist--will ward off disabling and costly consequences. The physician replaces the patient's missing neuropathic sensibility; he demonstrates leadership during visits by checking the patient's feet, their pulse, look, feel of their skin, temperature, neurologic deficits and state of care. Shoes need to be checked thoroughly. Findings include dermatologic, angiologic, neurologic, orthopedic and hygienic problems. These require rapid and expert therapy and prophylaxis even when considered of lesser importance in non-diabetic patients. Practical schemes and sound reasoning along with a treatment team (podologist, orthopedist, diabetic consultant) are the steps to success: keeping the feet free of disease, even with a progressing degree of diabetes.