In brief

• People with diabetes who do not have an active foot wound can have their feet examined free of charge as part of Diabetic Foot Awareness Week.
• The Lower Silesian NFZ (National Health Fund) will carry out the examinations on 13 November in Wrocław, between 10:30 and 13:00, at 55 Traugutta Street.
• According to estimates, at least 30% of people with diabetes in Poland do not know they have the disease, and nearly half of patients already have complications at the time of diagnosis.

Who can take part in the examinations

Free foot examinations are available to people with a diagnosed diabetes who currently do not have a wound on their foot. The campaign is not intended for patients who are already treating wounds caused by diabetic foot disease. The examinations require no special preparation and are non-invasive (Bezpłatne badania stóp dla diabetyków mogą zapobiec utracie nogi – Dziennik.pl).

Where and when

The Lower Silesian Regional Branch of the NFZ is organising the examinations on Friday, 13 November, between 10:30 and 13:00. The point is located at 55 Traugutta Street in Wrocław (Tydzień Świadomości Stopy Cukrzycowej. 13 listopada zapraszamy na badania profilaktyczne – NFZ – Dolnośląski Oddział Wojewódzki). The nationwide campaign runs from 13 to 20 November, and for the fifth time the Polish Wound Healing Society (Polskie Towarzystwo Leczenia Ran) is participating in the initiative.

What the examination includes

The examiner assesses sensation and pulse in the feet and conducts a brief interview. Based on this, they determine the individual risk of developing ulcers. After the examination, the participant receives practical advice on foot care and hygiene, as well as recommendations on what to do next to prevent problems.

Why it matters

Diabetic foot is a serious complication of diabetes and cannot be cured. Early detection of concerning changes reduces the risk of wounds, infections and, in extreme cases, amputation. According to estimates, at least 30%

Goal of the international campaign

The campaign was initiated by the organisation D-Foot International. Its goal is to detect risk factors before a wound or infection develops.