Prevent Diabetic Ulcers from Developing

Did you know that nearly 30-million Americans are living with diabetes? Type II diabetes has become the most common of the disease. There are 1.7-million Americans who are diagnosed each year with diabetes.  Although the disease is not curable it can be managed over time. It’s important that those living with diabetes make adjustments to their lifestyle to avoid the risks of complications from the disease. One of the many complications that can occur is diabetic ulcers on your feet and legs. Ocala Infectious Disease and Wound Center located in Ocala, Florida has a few tips to help you avoid the risk of developing diabetic ulcers.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which a person has high glucose levels, either because there is inadequate amount of insulin in the body, because cells in the body are failing to respond correctly to the insulin being produced, or both. In order for diabetics to take control of the disease they will have to change many of their day-to-day activities such as, eating certain foods.

An estimated 15 percent of diabetic patients in the United States will develop a diabetic ulcer, commonly located at the bottom of the foot. Leg ulcerations are approximately 1% to 2%, and are slightly more likely to be developed by older diabetic patients. The nerve and blood vessel damage caused by diabetes leads to patients facing more problems with their feet. Your feet are more susceptible to develop diabetic ulcers because they take more of a beating from day-to-day activities.  Amputations of the lower extremity in the United States are preceded by foot ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcers can be prevented by taking the following steps:

• Check your feet daily for signs of sores. Since most diabetics lose feeling of their hands and feet, which makes it hard to feel pain and know if injury has occurred.
• Keep your feet dry. Moisture retained in between your toes can cause the skin to breakdown.
• Invest in proper footwear and socks. Avoid tight socks, pointy shoes and high heels.  A podiatrist can work with you to have shoes custom fitted for your needs.
• Keep your feet from moisturized to avoid cracking by applying foot cream regularly.
• Treat foot problems promptly. See your doctor as soon as you notice any open sores or experience a foot injury. Use a triple antibiotic cream on the sore immediately and cover the wound with light gauze.

Diabetic wounds can lead to complications quickly, especially foot wounds.  The key part of avoiding diabetic ulcers is early detection. Diabetic foot ulcers are responsible for more hospitalizations than any other complication of the disease.

If you or someone you know develops a diabetic ulcer, seek treatment immediately. The experienced and compassionate medical professionals at Ocala Infectious Disease and Wound Center are available to heal your wounds. Learn more about treatment, or schedule an appointment by calling (352)401-7552.