Ischaemia, neuropathies and infections are predisposing factors for the development of ulceration of the diabetic foot. Diabetics have evidently a disposition for affections of the peripheral circulation and impaired regulation of the microcirculation as a result of autonomic neuropathy. The lower the driving pressure (in critical ischaemia), the more important are rheological factors and drugs which can influence them. These preparations include e.g. Trental (pentoxiphilline), Prostavasin (prostaglandin E1), Vessel due F (sulodexide). In advanced stages of ischaemic extremities oedema is a very adverse factor. Non-cardiac oedema can be very effectively handled by manual lymphatic drainage combined with intermittent one-segment pneumatic compression which was successfully used by the authors in ulcerations of the diabetic foot. One of the main general protective measures is adequate care of the foot and protective footwear for diabetics. After 3.5 years' use of protective footwear the authors recorded, consistent with data in the literature, a 50% reduction of relapses of ulcerations (and amputations). By examination on an EMED II apparatus abnormally high local pressures on the sole of risk patients can be detected and at the some time the protective effect of materials used for protective insoles can be tested. Active pharmacological and generally protective care of diabetic foot leads to a reduced number of amputations, in particular supracondylar ones by 50 or more per cent.

Keywords: Diabetic Foot /complications/; Humans