[Diabetic foot: a public health problem too often underestimated. Consequences and therapeutic possibilities]

The clinical screening of diabetic patients at risk for foot ulcer should be regularly performed by all physicians and health professionals in charge of these patients. In addition, the high risk patient should be also educated to detect high risk foot lesions. This step represents the first strategy in order to prevent this too frequent complication of diabetes mellitus. The amputation which represents the most dramatic evolution of foot ulcer, has profound psychosocial, economic and functional effects on diabetic patients. For these reasons a global strategy should be developed in order to reduce the incidence of diabetic foot ulcer. A systematic follow-up strategy in high risk patients is highly recommended. The patient education is one of the most important step for the success of this strategy.