Timely onward referrals will reduce high numbers of amputations in at risk people with diabetes, an experienced podiatrist has revealed.
Jayne Robbie, who is also a Senior Lecturer in Diabetes Care at Birmingham City University, marked history today when she became the first podiatrist to present the Janet Kinson Lecture at this year’s Diabetes UK Professional Conference (DUKPC) in Glasgow.
During the prestigious lecture, she highlighted the importance of empowering people with the appropriate foot care knowledge, via the ACT NOW assessment tool.
According to the specialist podiatrist, the ACT NOW resources help to facilitate specialist referrals and intervention when required.
ACT NOW is a six-stage triage and risk assessment tool for people with diabetes, their carers and healthcare professionals.
Developed by the iDEAL Group, it is designed to help recognise the early warning signs that might lead to amputation and which, if identified, should activate urgent referral to the Multi-Disciplinary Foot Protection Team.
Speaking at DUKPC 2025, Jayne said: “We know shock tactics don’t work with diabetes and long-term conditions. People living with diabetes fear amputation more than death.
“Healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care have a pivotal role in reducing ulceration. But there is no single magic bullet for preventing ulceration. Watch this space and all ACT NOW before it is too late.”
Every 20 seconds, a limb is lost due to diabetes, compared to every 30 minutes due to a landmine, according to David Armstrong, from the American Limb Preservation Society.
This Janet Kinson Lecture was presented by Professor Michael Edmonds – a Consultant Physician at King’s College Hospital in London with a special responsibility for care of the diabetic foot.
Professor Edmonds said: “There is a diabetic foot crisis. Thank you, Jayne, for being a voice for people who are voiceless and vulnerable.”
