Prevention of Diabetic Ulcers

Diabetes is a lifestyle condition that affects many people in the population in Fort Worth. There are two types of diabetes, that is, diabetes type 1 and 2. People can live with this condition for a long time when they receive the appropriate treatment. However, poor management of diabetes can lead to complications like hypertension, diabetic ulcers, retinopathy, and kidney disease.

Diabetic ulcers occur due to interruption of blood supply to the foot. The wound care specialist in Fort Worth advises that it is essential to manage diabetic ulcers promptly to lower the risk of amputation of the leg. However, like in any other disease, prevention is always better than cure, and that is why it is essential to prevent diabetic ulcers before they occur. This article will take you through the steps that you can take to avoid getting diabetic ulcers.

1. Maintain Good Foot Hygiene

It is essential to clean your feet regularly to prevent diabetic foot ulcers. You can do this by washing your feet with warm water that is not too hot. Once you wash your feet, it is also essential to properly dry the feet and ensure no water between your toes. You can also apply powder between your toes to ensure that they remain dry. Using lotions or moisturizers on your feet helps prevent cracks that can provide a route for bacteria to get into your skin. It is advisable to inspect your foot for any cracks, blisters, or sores, and ensure that you receive treatment for any lesions on your foot.

2. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Another way to prevent diabetic ulcers is to wear shoes that properly fit you. Ensure that the shoes you wear can support and cushion all parts of your foot, that is, the heel arch and ball of the foot. Shoes smaller than your feet and heels compress your toes, and this friction can result in diabetic ulcers. It is also advisable to buy a larger shoe if you have one foot that is bigger than the other. You can also invest in orthopedic shoes that are more comfortable for your feet. When wearing socks, choose socks that are dry and comfortable, like cotton and acrylic socks.

3. Avoid Walking Barefoot

One of the significant risk factors of diabetic foot ulcers is injuries to the foot. When you have cuts or other injuries on your foot, microorganisms can quickly enter your feet, resulting in wounds. These wounds can then become hectic to treat, especially if you have poor control of your sugars. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you have footwear even when you are indoors because accidents can also occur indoors.

4. Quit Smoking

If you smoke, you are at a higher risk of getting non-healing ulcers on your feet. Smoking constricts your blood vessels, limiting the blood supply and oxygen supply necessary for wound healing from reaching the area with a wound. This can increase the amount of time an injury takes to heal and increase the risk of amputation. You can talk to your doctor to assist you with the process of quitting alcohol.

5. Regular Checkups

Another way to avoid leg ulcers is to have regular visits to the doctor. The doctor will examine your feet for signs of poor blood circulation and infections and manage them accordingly. The doctor will also check on your sugar controls and adjust your medications to lower the risk of diabetic ulcers.

In summary, diabetic ulcers occur when there is a breach in the skin that allows microorganisms to enter the skin. The risk of these ulcers increases when there is poor sugar control. You can prevent these ulcers by maintaining good hygiene, wearing comfortable shoes, and quitting smoking. It is also essential to have regular checkups with your doctor.


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