When a Toe Is More Than Tissue: The Ethics of Diabetic Foot Consent

Dr. G explains why informed consent in diabetic foot care is more than paperwork: it’s a time-sensitive conversation about capacity, risks, alternatives, and what happens if treatment is delayed.The episode covers capacity versus competency, surrogate and physician consent in emergencies, the emotional weight of amputation decisions, and a four-phase consent model to help patients understand trajectories and make informed choices.