Whilst the risk of foot lesions and infection in people with diabetes is well documented and widely researched, fungal infections of the foot are common yet less often reported in the literature. Therefore, the importance of foot health and assessment cannot be underestimated. Knowledge of the main types of fungal infections, why they occur and how to treat them is useful for prevention and management strategies for community nurses who support people with diabetes. This article outlines the key issues surrounding fungal infections in patients with diabetes, and presents an introduction to prevention and management strategies.
Peter Roberts BSc(Hons) MSc, FHEA, Senior Lecturer, Division of Podiatry and Clinical Sciences, University of Huddersfield.
Phil Holdich, MSc Health Professional Eductions, BSc (Hons) Healthcare studies, Professional Dimploma in Diabetes care, NDN, RGN. Senior Lecturer, Division of Podiatry and Clinical Sciences, University of Huddersfield.
Article accepted for publication: November 2011
Lesley Adcock investigates whether effective education can help prevent foot problems in diabetic patients.
Rosemary Pudner describes the special care needed when dealing with diabetic patients with foot ulceration.
Debbie Hicks discusses the need for patients to receive appropriate diabetes education as a means of empowering them and helping them to deal with living with a chronic disorder.
Mary Adams gives a personal account of learning through reflection and empowering patients to self-care.
At the time of writing, Mary Adams RGN, was a third year Student Nurse (Adult branch), the University of Plymouth.
Article accepted for publication September 1999.
Helen Cawthorne discusses the role of D/Nâs in the assessment of management of diabetic foot ulcers
Helen Cawthorne RGN, DN, BSc (Hons) is a District Nurse, Central Nottinghamshire Healthcare (NHS) Trust.
Article accepted for publication August 1998.
Catriona Forbes describes the management of hypoglycaemia in patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
Catriona Forbes BSc Health Studies, DN, Dip.N., RGN, RM is a Community Staff Nurse, Inverness-shire Scotland
Article accepted for publication February 2000.
Bernadine Wrobel describes a pilot study designed to allow district nurses to monitor housebound patients with diabetes.
Bernadine Wrobel BSc (Hons), DN, RGN is a District Nurse at Barking, Havering & Brentwood Community Healthcare Trust, Essex.
Article accepted for publication July 2001.
Rosie Pudner discusses the need for thorough assessment of diabetic patients with foot ulceration.
Rosie Pudner BA (Hons), RGN, RCNT, DipN.Ed, Dip.App.S.S. (Open) is a Senior Lecturer - Tissue Viability, Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences, Kingston University and St George’s Hospital Medical School, London.
Article accepted for publication
December 2001.
