Using evidence in practice. Foot care in diabetes

Foot ulceration and amputation remain all too common complications for people with diabetes mellitus. Overcoming this, however, requires considerable effort. Improved implementation of patient education programs is essential, along with increased access to resources to support optimal foot care and the acquisition of optimal footwear for patients at highest risk of these complications. Well-coordinated screening programs are likely to be highly beneficial. Multidisciplinary care must be available for patients with established lower extremity disease. Equally important, further research into foot ulcer prevention and management is critical. The total number of studies completed to date in the field remains low, especially considering the frequency and devastating nature of lower extremity complications.