Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of developing ulcers of the feet. Optimal foot hygiene is essential to prevent various disorders from occurring. Patient education, the prevention of lesions and the optimal treatment of these lesions and their complications are fundamental for diabetics. Diabetic patients are at increased risk of developing renal, visual and nervous system damage. It is damage to the nervous system that generally produces loss of sensitivity in the feet, which leads to the development of ulcers. This opening in the skin is preceded by the formation of hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin) on bony protrusions of the foot. If these calluses are not tended to by a trained podiatrist, they continue to thicken, producing underlying abscesses which eventually breach the surface of the skin (an ulcer). Preventive or therapeutic treatment must be started as soon as possible to avoid multiple complications. As diabetic patients are more prone to infection, it’s important to consult a podiatrist at the earliest sign of trouble involving the feet. Podiatrists are expertly trained to treat all types of skin lesions, give you the best possible advice and refer you to the proper health specialist if required.