Given the dimensions of the current global diabetes pandemic, the number of people who are at risk of developing a diabetes-related foot complication is enormous – and growing. Everybody with the condition is at risk, irrespective of the type or severity of their diabetes. The aim of screening is to identify the people who are at greatest risk in order to allocate to them limited medical resources. Several simple screening techniques exist that can help to distribute therapeutic and preventive foot care to those in greatest need. Edgar Peters reports.