Originator: Lynda Bloomer, Andrew BallDate: December 2011

Version: 1Date for Review: December 2014DGOH Ref No: DGOH/PIL/00566

Diabetic foot - know yourcolourDiabetes and EndocrinologyPatient Information Leaflet

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Contact numbersIf you have any questions or are unsure about any of theinformation provided in this booklet, please contact one of thenumbers below:-

Russells Hall HospitalMonday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.00pm only.Diabetes Centre 01384 244399Diabetic Foot Clinic 01384 456111 Ext 3594Dr Moleele's secretary 01384 244435

If you have any questions or are unsure about any of theinformation provided in this booklet, please contact one of thenumbers below:-

Russells Hall HospitalMonday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.00pm only.Diabetes Centre 01384 244399Diabetic Foot Clinic 01384 456111 Ext 3594Dr Moleele's secretary 01384 244435

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Diabetic foot - know your colourPatients with diabetes are at risk of developing foot problems suchas hard skin and ulcers. All patients should therefore have their feetexamined annually by a trained individual and be advised of a risklevel or colour.

There are three colours - green (low risk), amber (increased risk)and red (high risk).

Your treatment depends on your colour so it is important to "KNOWYOUR COLOUR"

Who should examine my feet?Any trained individual - this may be a doctor, nurse or podiatrist.

How should my feet be examined?The sensation should be checked with a tool called a monofilamentand both pulses in each foot should be felt. The examiner shouldalso assess that your footwear is appropriate and does not rub.

At your last annual foot examination, you should have beenadvised whether your risk level is low (green), increased (amber) orhigh (red).

6. Never attempt to remove hard skin or corns yourself. Ask for help from your Podiatrist. If you do not see a Podiatrist, ask your GP to refer you.

7. Look after your Diabetes - good glucose control is important to foot health.

8. If you have any concerns at all regarding your feet - ask for advice! We are here to help you.....

Further informationIf you have further queries please contact one of the telephonenumbers below between the hours of 830am and 500pm, Mondayto Friday only:

Diabetes Centre01384 244399Diabetic Foot Clinic01384 456111 Ext 3594Dr Moleele's secretary01384 244435

Your risk level explained......1. LOW RISK - No complications identified2. INCREASED RISK - Neuropathy (nerve damage) or absent pulses3. HIGH RISK - Neuropathy or absent pulses + foot deformity / skin change or previous foot ulcers.

What treatment should I expect?1. LOW RISK (GREEN)All you need is foot care advice and a further examination in a year.

2. INCREASED RISK (AMBER)You will need to take extraprecautions to keep your feetsafe. This should includeseeing a podiatrist in thecommunity every 3 -6 months.

3. HIGH RISK (RED)You will need to take extraprecautions to keep your feetsafe. This should includeseeing a Diabetes specialistpodiatrist at least every 3months and having immediateaccess should any problemsoccur.

What can I do to help?This leaflet has some general advice and guidelines for everybodywith Diabetes - it is never too soon to start caring for your feetresponsibly and well.

1. Inspect your feet daily. Look carefully between your toes and at your heels. If you see anything unusual or bleeding or discharging - seek advice immediately.

2. Wash your feet daily using ordinary soap and warm water. There is no advantage in soaking your feet. This will make them too soggy at first and too dry later.

3. Inspect your footwear. Make sure that there isn't anything trapped in your shoe, by checking with your hand each time you put them on. Are the soles thick and strong enough to protect your feet? Are they still supportive enough, or are they starting to wear out?

4. Never ever walk barefoot. There is a real danger that you may tread on something sharp or abrasive.

5. Apply a good moisturising cream to your feet daily - avoiding the areas between your toes.

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