Gauteng Health urges regular foot screening for people with diabetes
These ulcers should not be taken lightly, as they are one of the leading causes of lower limb amputations.
People living with diabetes have been urged to take foot care seriously, as untreated foot problems can lead to amputations and death.
The Gauteng Department of Health urged people with diabetes to visit their nearest healthcare facility for foot screening and act quickly when they notice early warning signs.
Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds that usually develop on the feet of people with diabetes. In many cases, people may not notice these wounds early because diabetes can cause nerve damage and reduce the feeling of pain in the feet.
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These ulcers should not be taken lightly, as they are one of the leading causes of lower limb amputations.
Diabetes mellitus remains one of the leading causes of death in Gauteng and South Africa. Between 2018 and 2020, it ranked as the second leading cause of death, contributing to more than 6% of all deaths.
The increase in Type 2 diabetes has been linked to unhealthy diets, a lack of physical activity, diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, and rapid urbanisation. As more people are diagnosed with diabetes, more patients are at risk of developing serious complications such as foot ulcers.
Studies show that between 25% and 34% of diabetic patients may develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime. The department also warned that 72.6% of patients who undergo amputations die within two years, with many amputations linked to untreated ulcers, infections and poor blood circulation.
In Gauteng, thousands of new diabetes cases are recorded every year. During the 2025/26 financial year, nearly 30 000 new patients were diagnosed. However, fewer than two-thirds of diabetic patients received foot screening, leaving many unaware of the risks they face.
The department said early detection is important, as complications such as nerve damage, poor blood circulation and foot deformities can become severe if left untreated.
Warning signs of diabetic foot complications include numbness or loss of feeling in the feet, a burning sensation, unusually cold or swollen feet, dry or cracked skin, discoloured toes, blisters and wounds that do not heal.
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Because diabetes can reduce pain sensation, serious injuries may develop without the patient feeling discomfort. This makes regular foot checks essential.
The GDoH said most diabetic foot complications can be prevented through early screening, proper foot care and timely treatment. Early care can reduce the risk of ulcers by up to 50% and lower the chance of amputation by as much as 85%.
People living with diabetes are encouraged to visit a podiatrist at least twice a year to identify risks early and manage them before they become severe.
The department is also strengthening its response by expanding community awareness, improving access to screening services, training healthcare workers and improving referral pathways to podiatrists.
A team-based approach involving podiatrists, doctors and nurses is being implemented to improve prevention, early treatment and patient outcomes.
The department warned that neglecting foot health can lead to loss of mobility and life-threatening complications.
People living with diabetes are encouraged to visit their nearest healthcare facility for foot screening and education. Proper foot care plays an important role in managing diabetes and helping patients maintain their mobility, independence and quality of life.
