Perceptions about foot complications among people with newly diagnosed diabetes.

Abstract

The authors investigated the perceptions of diabetic foot disease and self-care of the foot among people newly diagnosed with diabetes. Four people with diabetes (duration <6 months) participated in a focus group. Although participants knew of foot ulcers, most were unsure what they were, knowledge about ulcer causes and consequences was limited and awareness of self-care practices was poor. Perceptions about the diabetic foot need to be explored and better understood if early and effective interventions are to improve self-care of the foot and reduce ulceration.