Over 25,000 diabetes-related foot consultations recorded in Gauteng since April
Gauteng has recorded more than 25,000 diabetes-related foot consultations since April as health authorities intensify efforts to prevent avoidable amputations and permanent disabilities through early screening and specialised treatment.
Since April, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has documented over 25,000 consultations related to diabetes and foot health in the province. To address this growing need, the department has bolstered its specialised podiatry services across 11 hospitals and five health districts, staffed by 61 dedicated podiatrists. These services are crucial for patients with diabetes, circulatory disorders, HIV, tuberculosis and other chronic diseases, as untreated complications can lead to serious foot issues like infections, chronic wounds, or amputations.
Early screening, timely treatment, and improved access to specialised care are key to preventing these outcomes.
During the 2025/26 financial year, podiatrists treated 63,046 patients, with 34,245 screened for foot complications, including 14,572 with diabetes. Additionally, the department issued 9,154 therapeutic devices to prevent disability, enhance mobility, and maintain independence. The demand for podiatry services is rising, especially among those with chronic conditions affecting circulation, nerves, and mobility.
In April, the GDoH conducted more than 25,044 diabetes-related consultations, performed 15,267 wound-management interventions, and educated thousands of patients about foot health. These efforts aim to detect complications early, preventing infections, chronic wounds, or amputations. Services are available through district health facilities, therapeutic hubs, and specialist hospitals, offering diabetic foot management, wound care, limb preservation, biomechanical assessments, orthotics, rehabilitation, and more.
The department stresses the importance of regular foot screenings, especially for those at risk of mobility loss or permanent disability. Awareness campaigns run from April to promote early detection, prevention, and management of diabetic foot complications. These initiatives align with the province's broader goal of reducing preventable disability and improving the quality of life for all residents.
The department urges everyone, particularly those with diabetes and circulatory disorders, to undergo regular foot screenings and seek medical attention promptly for any foot pain, wounds, numbness, or changes. Ignoring early signs could lead to serious complications affecting mobility, independence, and overall well-being.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
