How long does a GP consultation take to work for a diabetic foot ulcer?

The GP may examine the ulcer’s size, depth, drainage, skin colour, warmth, sensation, and blood supply. They may check glucose management, footwear, pressure on the area, and signs of infection. Treatment can include wound care, pressure relief, medicine when indicated, and referral to a foot or wound-care team.

The appointment does not close the ulcer immediately. Healing may be slowed by infection, reduced circulation, nerve damage, repeated pressure, or difficulty controlling glucose. A small change in appearance can matter, so scheduled reviews and dressing instructions should be followed carefully.

Keep the dressing clean and follow the exact wound-care instructions. Reduce pressure on the affected foot, use recommended footwear or off-loading equipment, and inspect both feet as advised. Do not cut into the ulcer, soak the foot, or remove thickened skin yourself. Arrange the requested review and report increasing pain, drainage, redness, swelling, or colour change.

Seek urgent medical care for spreading redness, rapidly increasing swelling, pus, a foul smell, fever, chills, red streaks, black or blue skin, a cold foot, new loss of sensation, or severe pain. Urgent review is also needed if the wound becomes deeper or the person feels acutely unwell. Diabetes can reduce protective sensation, so visible change may be more reliable than pain alone.

Ask how often the wound needs review, how to keep weight off it, whether circulation or infection needs testing, and which changes require same-day help. Learn about [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/).