From CHDC Podiatrist, Dr. Beideman: Diabetic patients have a high incidence of peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy. Both of these conditions put them at higher risk for injury, infection, and amputation. Regular foot screenings help to identify risk factors and lower the risk of infection/amputation. Some diabetics qualify for regular routine services by a podiatrist or even diabetic shoes with custom molded insoles in an effort to help further reduce their risk. Coverage for these services are dictated by a patient specific insurance and they would require a diabetic foot exam to determine their qualification. As a general rule, diabetics should have a foot exam at least yearly, but should contact their foot doctor if they notice any cuts, scrapes, bruises, or other lesions that do not appear to be healing quickly/appropriately or if they start having new symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in their feet.