Foot health

Keeping feet healthy can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related foot disease (DFD). Diabetes can affect the feet in two ways [47928]. Firstly, if a person has had diabetes for a long time, blood supply to the feet can be reduced. Secondly, nerve damage to the feet can result in a loss of sensation which can make it harder to notice skin dryness, cuts and other wounds. If left untreated, these can lead to infections, ulcers and the amputation of toes, feet or lower limbs [52599].

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at an increased risk of DFD [44992][42470]. This has been associated with, but not limited to, the lack of availability of culturally safe services, particularly in remote and very remote areas.

Access to affordable, culturally responsive and effective care play a significant role in the prevention and management of DFD among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people [51632]. Programs such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foot Complications Program, coordinated by the South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), aim to improve the cultural safety, quality, accessibility and structural factors (governance, infrastructure, partnership and workforce) of available care.