The diabetic foot: a plea for the elementary?

The outlook for the diabetic foot today is still not as favourable as it could be. This holds true, despite the progress that has been achieved in the care of both the neuropathic and the neuroischaemic foot. Regrettably, misconceptions abound among the non-specialists. Yet the situation will not be improved, unless every health care provider involved in the management of diabetic patients commands an absolute minimum of knowledge regarding the prevention and management of foot lesions. Indeed, more forceful implementation of elementary knowledge is needed, coupled with continuous education and research, to reduce the number of amputations.