NICE summary – Diabetic foot problems: prevention and management

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has released new guidance on diabetic foot problems. The guideline, Diabetic foot problems: prevention and management, has had key areas summarised for primary care professionals and will be distributed with the next issue of Nursing in Practice and Pulse. The summary, produced with approval from NICE, addresses the prevention and management of diabetic foot problems. Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. According to charity Diabetes UK there are 3.3 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and an estimated 590, 000 people who have the condition, but don’t know it. It’s estimated that 10% of people with diabetes will have a diabetic foot ulcer at some point in their lives. In extreme cases it can lead to amputation. Rachel Berrington, diabetes specialist nurse and NICE guideline developer said: “Diabetic foot problems are serious, and if not managed appropriately they can lead to minor or major amputations and even death. Mortality rates after diabetic foot ulceration and amputation are high, with up to 70% of people dying within five years of having an amputation and around 50% dying within five years of developing a diabetic foot ulcer. “This guideline sets the standard for managing diabetic foot problems for all people with diabetes, including children and young people, in all NHS settings. For example, the guideline identifies people who need immediate attention from the multidisciplinary foot care service or acute services. The guideline also highlights the need for clear information and education for all people with diabetes about diabetic foot problems, so they know what care to expect, the importance of foot care and who to contact in an emergency.” This guideline updates and replaces NICE guidelines CG10 and CG119, and the recommendations on foot care in NICE guideline CG15. It is now available online here.