Diabetic Foot Assessment and Prevention Strategies

Diabetes Mellitus is a significant and growing problem in the Pacific Islands.

It is predicted that there will be a 31% increase in diabetes in the Western pacific region (IDF 2019). Three in every four people with diabetes in Fiji are undiagnosed. There is a high incidence of diabetes and its complications, in particular diabetes foot sepsis is a major problem. The rate of lower limb amputations is on the rise and there is an increase in admission of patients with foot ulcers and post-surgical complications as a result of infection.

This video has been developed by Interplast to support clinicians with the detection, assessment and management of patients with diabetic foot conditions.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this activity, participants should be able to:

1. List the key risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers.
2. Explain diabetes neuropathy and demonstrate diabetes neurological assessment of the foot.
3. Outline peripheral arterial disease and demonstrate vascular assessment of the foot.
4. Demonstrate a dermatological and structural assessment of the foot.
5. Have knowledge on diabetes patient education of self-care of the foot.

Please give your feedback on the video, or questions that you have for the presenters, in the ‘Comments’ field below.

This clinical video has been made possible by funding from the Australian Government's NGO Cooperation Program, and the Australian Government's Pacific Island Program, through which Interplast has worked in partnership with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.