Diabetic foot screen

This is the routine foot care screen that all with patients with diabetes should ideally have at 3,6 or 12 months depending on how advanced their disease is. The screen includes:

ABI and TBI with toe pressures measured in toes 1,3 and 5
Canadian diabetic foot screening tool for neuropathy and biomechanical change
Foot and podiatry care recommendations

Who is this screen for?

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, or already are on medication for diabetes, this screening program is for you. Every diabetic should have their foot assessed for the risk of developing a diabetic ulcer (wound) on a regular basis. Most amputations in diabetics start with the formation of an ulcer.

What tests does this screen contain?

Nurse assessment

Assessment for biomechanical change – nail infection/ fungal infection, callus formation and changes in the shape of the feet and toes that increase the risk of amputation
Assessment of loss of sensation across the foot using monofilament testing
Ankle and toe pressures and Ankle-brachial and Toe-brachial index – measures drop in pressure in the feet compared to the arm, that can indicate critical decreases in blood flow, which can seriously impar wound healing if an ulcer develops.

Consultation with a senior specialist vascular surgeon

To discuss results and develop a follow up plan to reduce risk of ulcer formation that can lead to amputations in diabetics.

How do I prepare for this screen and how long does it take?

If you have booked this screen, you should have received instructions on what to expect on-email or phone. If not, please call the clinic at least 1 day before the screen on +65 64720503 during working hours to confirm the instructions.
The screen is conducted over 1-2 hours.
You DO NOT need to be fasted for this test. Please eat as normal on the day.
Please ensure that you take all your medication as normal, including diabetic medication, blood pressure medication or blood thinners etc with water as normal.
Wear comfortable loose clothing and shoes for the first day. A T-shirt and shorts or track bottoms are ideal.

What can I expect on the screening day?

You will first be registered for the screening.
A trained vascular nurse or technician will examine your feet as per the Canadian diabetic foot assessment system.
You will have the arm, ankle and toe pressures measured by a trained vascular nurse or technician.
You will then have a consultation with a senior specialist vascular surgeon to discuss the results.

What if my screening detects a problem?

We will give you a detailed report and recommendations in writing to take away.
If screening results suggest you need further investigations or treatment, you will also be given a note for you to show your family doctor to make a formal referral to us. Further treatments or tests may not be covered by insurance if there is not a formal referral.
Your screening results and reports are NOT shared by us with your doctor or any third party including your insurers or employers. Sharing your report results with other doctors, insurers or employers is for you to do as you deem fit but is recommended.
We can also refer you for regular podiatry (diabetic foot care) and diabetic eye check-ups if you wish. Regular foot care is recommended to treat ingrown nails, corns or calluses and fungal foot infections to prevent complications of diabetic foot infection and ulceration.

How often is a Diabetic Foot Screen needed?

Diabetic foot screens allow us to predict the risk of ulceration according to a traffic light system (green-low risk, orange medium risk and red-high risk of ulcer formation).
We then recommend the Diabetic Foot screen be done on a 3,6 or 12 monthly basis depending on disease severity. Your vascular surgeon will advise you accordingly.
You may also need a comprehensive Diabetic Circulation screen every 2 years or so (which includes a diabetic foot screen as part of the screening protocol).

you are covered

We are on the panel with most insurers in Singapore and with many international insurers; We also offer convenient options for self-paying patients.