The ABCS of foot care in diabetes: C is for care

Inadequate routine preventive foot care is one of the major risk factors for foot problems in people with diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy (anaesthesia), peripheral vascular disease (decreased blood supply) and structure (abnormal foot structure) are other risk factors. Together they are known as the ABCS of foot care, or the podiatric ABCS – A, anaesthesia; B, blood; C, care; and S, structure.

This article, the fourth in a series on foot care in people with diabetes, reviews the need for adequate routine foot care and includes a patient handout on appropriate foot care and footwear. Previous articles in the series have discussed the assessment of the ABCS and the various aspects of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease, and a future article will discuss foot structure. A patient handout summarising the podiatric ABCS, ‘Your foot report’, will conclude the series.