How often should patients with diabetes be screened for foot complications in primary care?

Patients with diabetes should be screened for foot complications at diagnosis and at least annually thereafter in primary care. This includes a comprehensive foot assessment to identify risk factors such as neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, deformity, ulceration, infection, and other complications. If any foot problems arise, or if the patient is admitted to hospital or their status changes, additional assessments should be performed promptly.

For children under 12 years, basic foot care advice should be given without routine formal screening. For young people aged 12 to 17 years, an annual foot assessment should be conducted as part of their overall diabetes review.