A U.K.-based Nigerian podiatrist, Gerald Agbarakwe, has warned that the lack of diabetic foot care specialists in Nigeria is contributing to poor disease management and preventable complications.
Agbarakwe told reporters on Wednesday that podiatry as a profession remains largely undeveloped in the country.
He explained that in many high-income healthcare systems, diabetic foot care is delivered by multidisciplinary teams including podiatrists, diabetologists, vascular surgeons and specialist nurses, enabling early detection and rapid intervention.
“At present, there are no dedicated schools or nationally established training programmes focused on podiatry education, so the number of clinicians trained in specialized foot care is extremely limited.
“As a result, diabetic foot disease is often managed by general physicians or surgeons only after complications have become severe,” he added.
The specialist noted that diabetic foot disease is a growing public health concern in Nigeria, causing preventable disability, hospital admissions and limb loss among people living with diabetes.
He cited research in Nigerian hospitals showing that late presentation remains a key driver of adverse outcomes, with diabetic foot ulcers accounting for roughly one quarter of diabetes-related hospital admissions.
“The majority of these ulcers are already infected when patients arrive at hospital, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and intervention,” he said.
Agbarakwe also highlighted the societal impact, noting that many patients affected are in economically productive age groups, with serious consequences for families due to Nigeria’s limited welfare support.
He stressed that diabetic foot disease is largely preventable if early detection and coordinated care are prioritized within the healthcare system.
“One key step is the development of formal podiatry education and training programmes in universities or teaching hospitals to train clinicians in preventive foot care, wound management and early detection,” he said.
He added that trained podiatrists could work alongside physicians and surgeons in multidisciplinary diabetic foot teams to improve patient outcomes.
Agbarakwe emphasized the importance of integrating routine foot screening into primary healthcare services, where most people with diabetes receive care.
“Early identification of high-risk feet, combined with patient education about daily foot inspection and appropriate footwear, could prevent many ulcers from developing,” he said.
He also stressed public awareness, noting that many diabetic foot complications begin with painless wounds caused by nerve damage, and early treatment could prevent infection or gangrene.
