Clinical Practice Recommendations on the Diabetic Foot

Diabetes-related foot complications are one of the most costly complications of diabetes. They can cause an important economic, social, and public health burden, particularly in low-income settings, where appropriate educational programmes or adequate and suitable footwear are unavailable.

Published in 2017, the IDF Clinical Practice Recommendations on the Diabetic Foot are simplified, easy to digest guidelines for healthcare professionals that prioritise early intervention with a sense of urgency through education. Their main goals are to:

• Promote early detection and intervention for diabetes-related foot complications.
• Provide criteria for time-adequate referral to second or third level centers.
• Serve as tool to educate people with diabetes on the importance of prevention.

The recommendations are based on published evidence that has been validated through reviews and field-testing by experienced clinicians. They target not only specialised diabetic foot health practitioners, but all healthcare professionals, including diabetes educators and nurses, and in some circumstances, people with diabetes and their families.

A summary of the recommendations, the Diabetes Foot Screening Pocket Chart, has also been produced for primary care physicians, nurses, registered dietitians and nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals working in diabetes.