Managing the diabetic foot

The impact of diabetic foot disease can cause serious complications, having a major impact on quality of life. With an estimated 3.8 million people across the UK living with diabetes, this costs the NHS an estimated £10 billion every year, equal to 10% of the NHS budget.2 Estimations that by 2030 this could rise to 4.6 million show that diabetes will continue to pose a significant burden on the NHS.3

Foot complications that arise from diabetes range from minor ulceration to major amputation. NHS England estimated in 2011 that diabetic foot ulcers and amputations cost £1 in every £150 spent.4 Therefore, diabetic foot care is of major economic importance and good care saves money in the long term.2 Approximately 6000 people with diabetes in England undergo leg, foot or toe amputations each year.5