Published: 16 June, 2026 Help prevent foot disease in the people you support with diabetes. Each year, more than 4,400 Australians have a diabetes-related amputation. Research shows that around 85% could be prevented with early detection and appropriate care. As a health professional, you play a vital role in protecting foot health and reducing the risk of complications in the people you support with diabetes. Foot Forward is a National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) complication prevention program that offers education, resources, and clinical tools to help you in delivering prevention and management strategies for the people you support with diabetes. How diabetes affects the feet Over time, consistently elevated blood glucose levels can damage nerves and blood vessels in the feet, increasing the risk of diabetes-related foot problems and complications. Peripheral neuropathy – nerve damage can lead to numbness or loss of sensation. This means people may not notice cuts, blisters, pressure injuries, or trauma to their feet. Peripheral vascular disease – reduced circulation can slow healing and increase the risk of infection, ulcers, and amputations. Diabetes can also lead to changes in foot shape and pressure distribution and may affect the skin, nails, and sweat glands in the feet. Small injuries can become serious quickly For people living with diabetes, minor foot problems can rapidly become serious. Small injuries such as blisters, cuts, or cracked skin can progress to ulcers, infections, and amputations if they are not identified and managed early. Encouraging the people you support with diabetes to adopt preventative behaviours is essential, including: having regular foot risk screening by a health professional doing daily self-checks of their feet effectively managing blood glucose levels wearing appropriate footwear seeking early treatment of any foot problems. The importance of routine foot risk screening Routine foot risk screening is highly effective at identifying people at risk of diabetes-related foot disease and reducing the risk of complications. Foot risk screening can be carried out by a podiatrist, GP, or a health professional involved in the care of people with diabetes. Yet only around half of the Australians living with diabetes access regular screening. The NDSS Foot Forward program helps health professionals identify early risk factors for foot disease and take timely, appropriate action. The program promotes early intervention and evidence-based care to reduce the risk of diabetes-related foot complications. How the Foot Forward program supports you Only around half of the Australians living with diabetes access regular screening. The NDSS Foot Forward program helps podiatrists, GPs, and other health professionals identify early risk factors for foot disease and take timely, appropriate action. The program promotes early intervention and evidence-based care to reduce the risk of diabetes-related foot complications. Practical tools and guidance for evidence-based and consistent care The Foot Forward program supports you to make foot risk screening a routine part of diabetes care, regardless of your practice setting. The program offers practical tools and guidance to help you: perform routine foot risk screenings identify risk factors for foot disease determine a person’s risk classification develop appropriate management plans refer clients based on their risk classification. Part of the Foot Forward program is the Integrated diabetes foot care pathways, an interactive tool that provides nationally consistent guidance for health professionals to encourage early identification and treatment of diabetes-related foot problems. Culturally safe foot care Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities experience higher rates of diabetes and diabetes-related foot complications than non-Indigenous communities. For this reason, the Foot Forward program has dedicated training packages to promote culturally appropriate foot care and strengthen local workforce capability. Building your confidence in diabetes foot care Start using the Foot Forward program today to gain practical skills, build confidence, and make every foot risk screening count for the people you support living with diabetes.
