Control Diabetic Ulcers

Diabetic ulcers are a common complication of diabetes. These open sores can appear anywhere on the skin and can be dangerous if left untreated.

Diabetic ulcers are most likely to appear on the bottom of the feet. Some people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have these ulcers develop on their legs. The American Diabetes Association estimates that up to 25 percent of people with diabetes may develop diabetic foot ulcers.

Preventing Diabetic Ulcers

It is important to be sure to do everything that your doctor has prescribed to help control your blood sugar. This is the most effective way to prevent diabetic ulcers. These open sores often reappear after they have healed and gone away for some time. Diabetic ulcers are the primary reason why some diabetics require the amputation of their foot or leg. It is estimated that every 30 seconds, someone in the world is having their limb amputated because of these ulcers.

Examine All Foot Injuries

You may injure your foot and not even realize it if you have already suffered from nerve damage in your feet. Many diabetics have peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which stops an adequate amount of blood flow to your feet. Nerve disease is also a common problem in diabetics, and both of these conditions make it more likely that if you injure your foot, you could develop a foot ulcer.

It is much easier to control diabetes ulcers if you find them before they develop into large, open sores. A small sore usually heals faster than a large one, but it takes longer for sores to heal when you are diabetic. Many people do not realize that they have an ulcer until it becomes infected. If the infection spreads, the ulcer is more difficult to heal. Look for small cracks, sores, or other signs of foot problems every day.

Therapeutic Shoes

A person who has diabetes may experience changes in the skin, which results in bacterial or fungal infections. You can prevent these foot infections by wearing therapeutic shoes. This type of shoe will not rub on your feet or cause blisters that can result in an infection and become an ulcer. Changes in the structure of your feet can increase the likelihood of developing a foot ulcer, such as bunions or hammer toes. See your doctor immediately if you develop any problem with your feet, because even corns or calluses can cause problems for a diabetic.

Debridement

Foot ulcers require specific treatment to help them heal. Controlling your blood sugar is an absolute necessity if you want your ulcer to improve. Your podiatrist may recommend debridement, which is removing dead skin for the around around the wound. Without this dead tissue stopping the growth of new, healthy tissue, your foot ulcer will have a chance to heal.