The NDSS is
administered by

NDSS Helpline
1800 637 700

NDSS Helpline

1800 637 700

Risk levels explained

Understand your risk of developing foot problems.

As part of your regular foot checks with your health professional, you’ll be told what level of risk you are currently at for developing foot problems.

While you may feel worried or anxious, the good news is that by knowing your risk you’ve taken the first step towards preventing future problems.

How your risk level is assessed

At your annual diabetes foot check, your health professional will assess your risk of developing a foot problem.

Your health professional will be looking for certain risk factors that can increase your likelihood of wounds that won’t heal, such as:

  • previous foot ulcer or lower-leg amputation caused by diabetes
  • loss of feeling (numbness) in your feet
  • reduced circulation in your feet
  • chronic kidney disease (on medication or dialysis).

Generally, your risk is catagorised as Very low risk, Low risk, Moderate risk or High risk.

Very low risk

No risk factors for foot disease

Foot check every
12 months

Low risk

One risk factor (either loss of protective sensation – changes in feeling or blood flow)

Foot check every
6 – 12 months

Moderate risk

Two risk factors including foot deformity (change in foot shape)

Foot check every
3 – 6 months

High risk

Two or more risk factors

Foot check every
1 – 3 months

What to expect

  • Your health professional will provide information that explains what your level of risk means, what you need to do next and how to look after your feet at home.
  • If your feet are assessed as being at moderate or high risk, you may be referred to a podiatrist or vascular specialist.
  • Depending on your risk level, you may need to have more regular foot checks to help you get on top of any changes to your feet quickly. It is important that you make your appointments and stick to them.
  • It’s important to develop a foot action plan with your health professional to help you prevent foot problems from happening. If you don’t get one, ask for it!
  • Your health professional can answer any questions you may have, including who to contact if you develop a foot problem that needs urgent medical attention.

More resources to support your journey to healthy feet

Are you putting your best foot forward? Check your risk level today.

Foot health check takes approx 2 mins