A podiatrist's view of community diabetic foot management.

The diabetic foot is an enormous burden to the patient, society and to the NHS. This article offers a podiatrist's view of the diabetic foot: the principles behind the disease process, the management of diabetic foot complications and how problems can be avoided. The major contributing factors of diabetic foot ulcers are discussed, the role of the podiatrist described, and the principles of screening and community-based management of ulcers outlined. Education and communication are highlighted as key elements in successful diabetic foot management.