Worldwide, diabetes affects over 463 million adults, with 79% living in low- to middle-income countries. In the U.S. alone, over 34 million people of all ages are afflicted, and the prevalence is 17% higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Telehealth could be the answer to reaching many of these patients who otherwise do not receive proper care in the management of their diabetes.

Diabetes raises the glucose levels in the blood which can damage the nerves in the feet and legs causing diabetic peripheral neuropathy. With diabetic peripheral neuropathy, patients can lose feeling in their legs and feet, becoming unaware of any cuts, scrapes, or wounds that may occur. In conjunction with poor circulation, which can slow the healing of any wounds, small cuts can quickly become serious infections. Therefore, it is vitally important that people with diabetes take extra care of their feet and maintain foot health.