Diabetes causes a wide range of complications ranging from the eye to the kidney to the foot. The higher glucose levels in the blood damage many different body and organ systems. One of the more psychologically devastating complications of diabetes is the loss of limb. This is an end stage complication of the diabetic foot. This is a foot that has been put at increased risk for tissue damage due to the processes of diabetes. Several of the processes in diabetes put the foot at risk for problems. For example, damage to the nerves in diabetes means that when there is some trauma to the foot, either an acute accident or just rubbing from a shoe, the pain of this is not felt, so is not acted on. Damage to the blood circulation in those with diabetes means that when the damage to the foot happens, there is highly likely to be very poor healing. Adding to this is the problems with the eyes may mean that the damage is not seen or acted on. Damage to the kidney may also affect wound healing and limit the choices of antibiotic if an infection is present.

All of this sets up a cascade of events in the foot that results in wounds that do not heal. If the wound is infected and the circulation is inadequate, the consequences could be the loss of limb. Associated with this the direct medical and the indirect social costs which are quite high. Often not considered is the psychological cost to the individual.

Because of this potential serious outcome with diabetic foot complications, those with diabetes are urged to take special care of the feet and check them regularly. Podiatrists play an important role in the treatment and prevention of these problems and need to be consulted immediately that there is any sign of a problem with the foot.