Diabetic foot and associated complications, such as ulcers, infections, and amputations, are a significant public health problem in Slovenia and worldwide. They represent a significant burden on healthcare systems and significantly worsen the quality of life of people with diabetes. Therefore, the implementation of preventive measures and detection of early changes, when interventions are still possible and effective, are essential to prevent the development of diabetic foot complications. In clinical practice, foot screening examinations are regularly performed in people with diabetes. It is a systematic examination that enables the identification of individuals with characteristic diabetic foot changes. The examination includes the detection of foot deformities and other foot changes, neuropathic symptoms, testing for possible loss of protective sensation, vibration and temperature perception, and assessment of vascular status; attention is also paid to the presence of end-stage renal failure and smoking status. Based on the examination results, classification according to the risk stratification system for the development of diabetic foot ulcers is performed. Structured education about appropriate foot care and suitable footwear is also provided; performed by a registered nurse with specialized training. This article describes the content and procedure of the diabetic foot screening procedure, the significance of individual findings, the classification of changes, possible actions, and the content of structured education.
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