Amputations in diabetes: A changing scene

There are some encouraging data that, in areas where diabetes foot services are well organised and integrated, the rate of amputations may be declining for patients with diabetes. Although there is some evidence of improvement, a lot more can, and needs to be done as many amputations are avoidable. Best practice needs to be shared worldwide. The Scottish Government has invested in a 'Foot Action Group' and a two-year Diabetes National Foot Co-ordinator with the aim to improve foot care in Scotland. The Scottish Foot Action Group is working with Foot in Diabetes UK (FDUK) and works with Diabetes UK on various projects. These latter groups are also working with the Joint British Diabetes Societies Inpatient Care Working Group to provide guidance for acute foot problems. In addition, there are various initiatives being undertaken across the rest of Europe and beyond. Hopefully, all this should help to improve outcomes for patients with diabetes who have foot problems in the future. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons.