Advances and Challenges in the Comprehensive Management of Diabetic Foot: A Narrative Review from a General Practice Perspective

Background: Diabetic foot is one of the most severe complications of diabetes, characterized by insidious onset, high disability rates, and substantial treatment costs, posing a major global public health issue. This article reviews the latest advancements in diabetic foot management in 2025 from a general practice perspective. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes current literature on diabetic foot management from a general practice perspective. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted, primarily focusing on cutting-edge studies published in 2025 to capture the latest advancements, while also incorporating landmark earlier research for foundational context. Results: The review indicates that simple techniques, such as the 10-g monofilament test and dorsalis pedis artery palpation, remain crucial for primary care screening. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence and multi-omics technologies provide novel approaches for the precise prediction of high-risk feet. Additionally, the integration of general practice and specialized care, along with digital health interventions, significantly enhances the efficacy of whole-cycle management. However, challenges persist in the widespread adoption of appropriate primary care techniques, the implementation of multidisciplinary team (MDT) pathways led by general practitioners, and the evaluation of health economics. Conclusion: This article synthesizes evidence from 2025 research to inform the development of a diabetic foot prevention and control system that includes primary care first-visit management, bidirectional referral, and acute-chronic differentiation. It highlights the pivotal role of general practitioners in bridging the gap between advanced specialized care and grassroots practice. Keywords: diabetic foot, general practice, appropriate technology, tiered healthcare, multidisciplinary collaboration