Understanding diabetic foot risk

The course begins by exploring why the feet are particularly vulnerable to complications in people with diabetes. Learners develop an understanding of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, impaired circulation and the processes that can make injuries harder to detect and slower to heal.

Basic foot anatomy and the mechanisms behind diabetic foot pain are also covered, providing clinical context for the assessment process that follows.

Recognising diabetic foot problems

Being able to recognise changes early is an important part of diabetic foot screening. The course uses clinical information and visual examples to explore a range of problems that may be encountered during assessment. These include callus formation, nail problems, toe deformities, diabetic foot ulcers and infection, alongside more serious complications such as ischaemia and Charcot neuroarthropathy. The relationship between neuropathy, abnormal pressure, poor circulation, tissue breakdown and ulceration is considered throughout.

Equipment and clinical assessment

Learners are introduced to equipment that may be used when assessing a patient’s feet, including a 10g monofilament, Neuropen, tuning fork and Doppler ultrasound. The course explains how sensory and circulation assessments contribute to identifying neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease, and how findings can help establish whether a patient may be at greater risk of ulceration or other diabetic foot complications.

Carrying out a diabetic foot check

A structured approach helps clinicians carry out diabetic foot assessments consistently and ensures important findings are not overlooked. The course brings the different elements together through a practical screening framework covering inspection, sensation, circulation, risk assessment and planning. 

Attention is also given to relevant patient history, foot and skin changes, pulses, sensory testing and other findings that can influence the patient’s overall diabetic foot risk.

Risk assessment, referral and documentation

Clinical findings need to lead to an appropriate plan. Learners explore diabetic foot risk categorisation, the importance of recognising red flags and when findings may require routine, prompt or urgent onward referral.

Clear documentation is covered alongside the clinical assessment, including recording sensory testing, pulses, skin condition, deformity, risk status, advice, referrals and follow-up. For clinicians using SystmOne, the course includes additional guidance on recording diabetic foot assessment findings within the patient record.

Supporting patients to protect their feet

Diabetic foot care continues beyond the annual assessment. The course explores the advice patients can be given to support daily foot care, including regular self-inspection, skin and nail care, suitable footwear and recognising changes that require medical attention. 

Safety-netting is also considered, helping learners explain when problems such as broken skin, increasing redness or swelling, discolouration or sudden changes should be reported promptly.

Assessment and certification

At the end of the course, you will complete an assessment to demonstrate your understanding of the topics covered. You will need to achieve a result of 80% or higher to pass.

On successful completion, you will receive a free CPD-accredited certificate, which can be downloaded or printed as evidence of your professional development.

Professional responsibility and scope

• This course provides knowledge and guidance to support diabetic foot checks but does not, by itself, confirm clinical competence.
• Competency should be assessed within your workplace before carrying out diabetic foot assessments independently
• Practice should align with local protocols, current guidance, and professional standards
• You are responsible for applying learning appropriately within your role
• Clinical concerns and abnormal findings should be escalated appropriately