Diabetes Week 2025

Good foot heath is critical to people with diabetes. NHS data indicates that sadly in the UK 140 diabetes related lower limb amputations are reported every week. Diabetes makes people more prone to developing foot problems. Diabetes increases the amount of sugar in the blood, which in turn has a detrimental effect on blood supply, leading to poor circulation. Additionally,  sensation is adversely affected in diabetes, meaning some people with diabetes cannot feel their feet very well. Together these two factors alone make feet very vulnerable to damage, leading to ulceration, infection and potentially amputation. In addition, diabetes can dampen a person’s immune system meaning infections can take longer to treat and eradicate.

According to diabetes UK, 80% of amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer and foot ulcers  have a profoundly negative impact on well-being. It is therefore important those with diabetes have their feet checked annually. This is often undertaken in primary care. It involves assessment of the blood supply to their feet, assessment of the feeling in their feet and identification of any deformities or foot problems that might develop. Their risk of ulceration is calculated, and people are signposted to services accordingly. Regular care from a podiatrist often forms part of this care.

Here at HSU our podiatry students receive considerable education on the management of diabetic foot. In our in-house clinic we offer high quality footcare to those with diabetes. In addition, students have regular specialist placements in centres of excellence for diabetic footcare management to ensure students have up-to-date skills on qualification.

For more information on diabetes and feet visit Diabetes UK here.

Authors

Simon Otter, Associate Professor – podiatry, Health Sciences University

Joelle  Baynham, Consultant Podiatrist – Diabetes Inpatients, University Hospitals Dorset

Ivan Bristow, Honorary Professor, Health Sciences University

Debbie Sharman, Consultant Podiatrist – Diabetes, Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust