How to Perform the 3-Minute Diabetic Foot Exam
How to Perform the 3-Minute Diabetic Foot Exam
People with type 2 diabetes are at risk of lower extremity amputation due to nerve damage and poor circulation. Reduced blood flow increases the risk of developing a wound—and if a person has neuropathy, they may not notice it until it becomes severe.
Every 1.2 seconds, someone develops a diabetic foot ulcer.
Every 20 seconds, someone with an ulcer undergoes an amputation.
Most of these amputations are preventable.
A simple, structured 3-minute foot exam helps clinicians quickly detect risk factors and guide timely referrals to specialists.
1. What to ask
Ask about:
Past wounds, ulcers, surgeries, or amputations
Use of tobacco/nicotine
Diabetes control and history of vascular interventions
Burning, tingling, pain with activity, or color changes in the feet.
2. What to look for
What to look for:
Check skin, nails, calluses, wounds, and signs of infection
Assess protective sensation and look for deformities
Examine vascular status including pulses and hair growth.
3. What to teach
Educate your patient about:
Daily foot checks and hygiene
Proper footwear and avoiding going barefoot
Smoking cessation and managing blood sugar.
Diabetic Foot Exam Mythbusters with Dr. David Armstrong
Mythbusters
There are myths surrounding the diabetic foot exam. In this short video, Dr. David Armstrong separates fact from fiction with clarity and insight.
Whether you’re a patient or a provider, this myth-busting session is one you can’t miss.
Join us in uncovering the truth and stepping toward better limb health.
Dr. David G. Armstrong shares:
“The 3-Minute Diabetic Foot Exam video represents a crucial step forward in our mission to prevent amputations. It’s concise, impactful, and empowers healthcare professionals to make a real difference in patients’ lives. It takes only 3 minutes to save 2 limbs. We can do this, worldwide.”
Myth 1: "Doing the diabetes foot exam doesn't change the outcomes on amputation"
False. Yes, it does.
If the patient sees the primary care doctor and a foot specialist one time during the year, for the next 6 years, the risk for high-level amputation goes down by up to 66 percent.
Myth 2: "I don't have time to do the 3-minute diabetes foot exam"
False.
You may not, but your team can do most of it, leaving you with less than 1 minute of triage.
Myth 3: "I don't feel confident in my skills for examining feet"
False.
Help and educational resources are available providing you with the tools that you need to feel confident.
Myth 4: "Poor reimbursement for foot exams makes it financially difficult”
False.
The complete 3-minute foot exam may qualify you for higher reimbursement as an Evaluation & Management code.
Other Resources:
Foot Risk Awareness and Management Education (FRAME)
American Limb Preservation Society
Diabetic Foot Care Strategies for Primary Care
American Limb Preservation Society
A Health Care Provider’s Guide to
Preventing Diabetes Foot Problems
American Limb Preservation Society
3 Minute Foot Exam Checklist (Form)
American Limb Preservation Society
Abbott provided a promotional sponsorship in support of the American Limb Preservation Society. Abbott does not control the content, educational methods, or materials.
The American Limb Preservation Society and DFCon are proud to work with companies that share our commitment to ending preventable amputations.
We thank our national strategic partners for supporting our vision. These partnerships enable us to amplify education, improve outcomes, and drive awareness for those living with diabetic foot complications.
