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It is unanimously accepted that patients with diabetes have a higher likelihood for infections. The metabolic imbalance associated with diabetes suppresses the immunity system of the cutaneous organ. Hyperglycemia causes an increase of the activity of the sorbitol route with consumption of NADPH. Furthermore, the sorbitol from the cells leads to increase of osmolality in cells as well as reduction of intracellular myo-inositol. These strains on the cellular metabolism expose the cells to oxidative stress. An additional factor is the reduced chemotaxis and phagocytosis impact on the bacterial activity of leukocytes which leads to further predisposition of infection for diabetes patients. Hence the poor control of glycemic levels leads to immunity changes which affects the local immune response against the aggression of pathogenic agents.

Diabetic foot infections are a common complication in people with diabetes. This article will discuss the foot-related complications that can happen in people with diabetes, as well as guidelines for good foot care. Patient education is a central component in the self management of diabetes infections in both prevention and treatment. Poor knowledge of foot care practices is an important risk factor for foot problems among diabetics. Studies have demonstrated deficiencies in knowledge and practices regarding foot care, particularly among rural populations with diabetes. Patients should be informed about the risk factors and their complications that could lead to amputation. The mainstay therapy for intervention of diabetic lower limb complications is prevention.