Regular and consistent foot care remains the most effective way to maintain healthy, resilient feet—especially for people living with diabetes. While daily home care is essential, healthcare professionals play an indispensable role in this process. They examine the feet, identify risks early, provide education, treat existing conditions, and help patients stay motivated. Because of this, they are highly trusted partners in preventing complications such as foot ulcers and related symptoms.
Findings from the GEHWOL Diabetes Report highlight that effective prevention depends on strong cooperation between patients and healthcare professionals. When doctors, podiatrists, and patients work together, outcomes improve—not only medically, but also in terms of adherence, confidence, and long-term routines.
How Doctors Assess the Current Situation
General practitioners, endocrinologists, and diabetologists are often the first point of contact for people with diabetes. These physicians are well positioned to assess the risk of diabetic foot syndrome and related complications. According to the report, doctors estimate that roughly one-third of people with diabetes are at elevated risk for serious foot problems.
Despite this awareness, preventive care is not always implemented as consistently as recommended. Many patients do attend regular check-ups, but participation decreases as risk increases—precisely where prevention is most critical. Physicians frequently identify neuropathy, circulation disorders, pressure imbalances, and fungal infections as common risk factors affecting the feet.
Routine assessments such as patient history and pulse checks are widely used, and additional diagnostic measures are often initiated when concerns arise. However, the findings suggest that there is still room to strengthen preventive follow-up and patient engagement.
What Doctors Recommend for Prevention
Physicians strongly support preventive measures that patients can integrate into daily life. These include regular foot inspections, proper hygiene with careful drying, and professional treatment of pre-ulcerative skin changes. Diabetes education programs, therapeutic footwear, and pressure relief are also viewed as essential components of prevention.
Beyond clinical measures, doctors emphasize the importance of communication and trust. Clear explanations, realistic goal setting, and a strong patient–provider relationship significantly improve motivation and compliance. Prevention works best when patients understand why foot care matters—not just what they are told to do.
Where Improvement Is Still Needed
While many patients are capable of caring for their feet independently or with guidance, doctors acknowledge ongoing challenges. Financial barriers, limited access to podiatric services, and uneven awareness all affect preventive care. Overall foot condition is often rated as only “satisfactory,” highlighting the continued need for education and support.
Improving compliance remains a key goal, but doctors also recognize that psychosocial factors—such as stress, motivation, and daily routines—play a major role in care behavior.
What Podiatrists See in Daily Practice
Podiatrists confirm that many people with diabetes present with ongoing foot issues. Dry skin, pre-ulcerative changes, callus formation, and deformities are extremely common, and recurrence rates are high. This underscores the importance of continuous, structured care rather than isolated treatments.
Most podiatric care for people with diabetes is provided through medical referral, which is essential for insurance coverage in many cases. Recommendations from diabetes educators and other healthcare providers also contribute, while referrals from social circles play a much smaller role.
The Value of Interdisciplinary Care
Both doctors and podiatrists report high satisfaction with interdisciplinary cooperation. Therapy reports, shared information, and coordinated care plans help improve treatment outcomes and reduce the burden on individual providers.
Structured care models and regional foot care networks significantly strengthen collaboration. When healthcare professionals are connected and communicate clearly, patients benefit from more consistent and proactive care.
Patient Knowledge, Motivation, and Routine
Most people with diabetes are aware that foot complications exist, but knowledge gaps remain—especially regarding how ulcers develop and why early signs matter. While many patients attend regular medical check-ups and take preventive measures, high-risk individuals often do so less frequently than recommended.
Motivation is closely tied to routine. Patients are more likely to maintain foot care habits when they see visible results, experience improved comfort, and receive encouragement from healthcare professionals. Trust, clear communication, and personalized guidance all support long-term adherence.
Healthcare providers play a crucial role not only as clinicians, but also as motivators. When patients know what to do, understand the benefits, and feel supported, preventive foot care becomes part of everyday life rather than a reactive measure.
Source
Adapted from FUSSPFLEGE AKTUELL 1/2026 and the GEHWOL Diabetes Report 2025, developed by Eduard Gerlach GmbH (Germany).
The GEHWOL Diabetes Report is an ongoing research initiative combining insights from physicians, podiatrists, and people living with diabetes to improve prevention, care, and patient empowerment.
Content adapted for the U.S. market for educational purposes.