What are the key components of a diabetic foot assessment in primary care?

Examine both feet by removing shoes, socks, bandages, and dressings. Look for evidence of neuropathy, limb ischaemia, ulceration, callus, infection and/or inflammation, deformity, gangrene, and Charcot arthropathy ¹.

Assess for neuropathy using a 10 g monofilament as part of sensory examination. ¹

Use ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) to evaluate limb ischaemia, interpreting results carefully in people with diabetes due to possible calcification of arteries ¹.

Identify risk factors such as deformity, neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, previous ulceration or amputation, and other conditions to stratify risk levels (low, moderate, high) ¹.

Provide oral and written information about foot care, emergencies, footwear, wound care, and the importance of blood glucose control ¹.