Bridging the Gap: Collaborative Care Models Between Podiatrists and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists to Improve Outcomes in Diabetes-Related Foot Complications.

This article reviews collaborative care models integrating podiatrists and certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCESs) to prevent and manage diabetes-related foot complications. By combining podiatric expertise in lower extremity assessment and intervention with CDCES-led self-management education, these interdisciplinary approaches improve outcomes such as ulcer prevention, limb preservation, and health care cost savings. The article discusses barriers to effective collaboration and outlines clinical, educational, and policy strategies to enhance integrated care. Expanding access to these models and addressing implementation challenges will be critical for improving limb preservation and quality of life among people with diabetes.