Diabetic ulcers: What are they and how you can deal with them

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood glucose levels are high. Diabetes impairs the body’s ability to make adequate amounts of insulin, leading to glucose to stay in the blood and not reach the cells, hence, not providing energy to our body to function optimally and causing health complications.

Diabetic ulcers that develop under the feet are a common complication of diabetes that may seem grim at first but is a manageable condition that can be mitigated by an overhaul of lifestyle and food choices, foot care, and catching the signs early of its onset.

What are diabetic ulcers?

Diabetic ulcers are wounds or sores found on the bottom of the feet and affect diabetic patients. The first few signs of diabetic foot ulcers are numbness and swelling in the feet, poor blood circulation, redness and rashes under the feet, and pain around the wound.

While diabetes is the prime factor contributing to the complication, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and other comorbidities such as high cholesterol can further aggravate diabetic ulcers.

Here’s how to deal with diabetic ulcers on your feet

With proper care and vigilance, diabetic ulcers can be managed. Here are a few tips to help you chart this territory:

1. Start with the shoes

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Wearing properly fitted shoes is a must as the condition can worsen if the wound is subjected to either tight-fitting or loose-fitting shoes. A thick pair of socks that can help you find the right grip and comfort may also be considered.

2. Vigilance will go a long way

Diabetic patients should get regular foot checkups done by their doctor so that early signs of foot ulcers can be caught and treated. At home, people with diabetes may check their feet, toes and the sole of the foot every day to be vigilant. Immediately consult your doctor if you notice any swelling, cuts, ulcer or redness.

3. Regular foot care

It is important to take care of the feet to prevent a wound from developing altogether. Wash your feet once daily and remember to dry and moisturize them. Do not wear footwear that can restrict blood circulation, especially between the toes, such as sandals. Keeping the toenails short is also advisable as it helps.

4. Wound management

In case you are diagnosed with diabetic ulcers, then ensure that you are regularly using saline water to clean the wound and keep the pressure off the ulcers at all times. You may also be required to use crutches, foot braces or compression wraps to reduce pressure and irritation around the wound area.

5. Manage diabetes

Consider eating a balanced diet, full of green vegetables and exercise regularly to manage diabetes. This will help in mitigating any complications that may arise as a result of this disease.

So, be vigilant of any signs of foot ulcers and try these measures to manage diabetic ulcers effectively.