We would like to reflect on an exciting year for the FDUK (Foot in Diabetes UK) group.
This year saw the publication of the first FDUK consensus document, providing guidance on demystifying infection in the diabetic foot. The objective of the consensus is to provide support to UK HCPs, especially those in primary care and support roles. Improved knowledge will help with prompt identification of diabetic foot infections and timely access to appropriate treatment. With infection causing huge complications (and associated costs), and with antimicrobial stewardship being a key global issue, this guidance is timely and much needed.
The key points of this document include clear, actionable guidance for best practice and a pathway for use in practice:
- Holistic patient assessment and identifying risk factors
- Red flags and prevention measures in suitable patients
- Early intervention in infection
- Treatment/product selection — encompassing the importance of cleansing, debridement and dressing selection, where appropriate
- Pathway for management
- Antimicrobial stewardship.
The consensus aims to be a clinically useful document laying out a practical course of action for HCPs at all levels — from unregistered care home workers to experienced diabetic foot practitioners. This consensus document can help increase the confidence of frontline HCPs and workers in identifying infections, and confidently escalating the case to specialists as soon as possible.
Demystifying Infection in the Diabetic Foot is available from: https://wounds-uk.com/consensus-documents/demystifying-infection-in-the-diabetic-foot/
The document was launched at our annual FDUK conference in Harrogate, which was a great success with an interesting and topical programme. As well as the document launch and a focus on infection, highlights included:
- Update on the Zero All Preventable (ZAP) amputations project — minimising the occurrence of preventable lower limb amputations (Morris et al, 2023; Robbie et al, 2023)
- Highlighting updates from the new Diabetes Africa (2024) handbook on diabetes footcare in dark skin tones
- The role of the podiatrist in prescribing and influencing care
- What if GPs won’t prescribe for diabetic foot infections?
We’d like to thank everyone who has been a part of this successful year, and to wish you all a good festive season. Looking forward to more work together in 2025!
