Objectives: The object of this study was to find out which self-care activities diabetic patients perform to prevent a DFU and to look for differences between patient groups.

Method: Using a convenience sample, 269 people with type 1 and 2 diabetes were included in a cross-sectional study. All patients were given an informed consent. The data were collected with the new developed “Frankfurter Catalogue of Foot Self-Care - Prevention of the Diabetic Foot Syndrome” (FCFSP) which contains 19 self-care activities for the prevention of DFU in three domains. Patients were separated into four risk groups based on self reported presence of risk factors according to the consensus of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot.

Results: Patients with a history of foot ulceration perform the most adequate self-care in the domain “Professional assistance in foot care“. Between the risk groups exist no significant differences in the domains “Self-control of the feet“ and “Self-control of shoes and socks”. Patients with more than three completed education programs practice more adequate self-care regarding "Self-control of the feet".

Conclusion: Findings of the study point to specific problem areas and group problems in the performance of adequate self-care. There are self-care deficits regarding self-control of feet, shoes and socks. Based on the data it seems to be that more than three education programs are needed to perform an adequate self-care. Especially patients at risk need more personal support for their daily self-care activities to prevent a diabetic foot ulcer or further foot complication.