Evaluating Diabetic Foot Risk Among Patients in Primary Healthcare Settings

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic progressive disease characterized by insufficient insulin production or decreased insulin sensitivity, with a rising global prevalence over the past decades. In Indonesia, the diabetic population reached 8.4 million in 2000 and is projected to reach 21.3 million by 2030, while the prevalence in Bali is estimated at 1.7%. DM is associated with high morbidity and mortality due to various complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness, and neuropathy. Among these, diabetic foot represents a serious and common complication, affecting approximately 3.3% of diabetic patients, and significantly increasing medical costs, socioeconomic burden, and mortality rates (43–50%). Early detection of diabetic foot risk is therefore essential to enable timely interventions aimed at preserving limb function, reducing morbidity, and decreasing both mortality and healthcare costs. Primary healthcare centers, such as Puskesmas Seririt 1 in Buleleng, Bali, play a crucial role in prevention and early detection due to their community-focused approach. Effective tools for identifying diabetic foot risk in these settings must be easy, rapid, reliable, and practical. The “Simplified 60-Seconds Diabetic Foot Screening Tool” has been validated for use in limited-resource primary care settings, providing a quick and effective method to detect patients at risk. This case study evaluates the application of this screening tool at Puskesmas Seririt 1, highlighting its utility in early risk assessment and preventive care in the community setting. By implementing early detection strategies, primary healthcare providers can significantly reduce the burden of diabetic foot complications and improve patient outcomes.