It is better to know about diabetes in order to better understand diabetic foot ulcer. As you know high uncontrolled blood glucose (sugar) level is called as Diabetes Mellitus (DM).
High blood glucose level in long term causes damage to all of the organs of the body including brain, eyes, heart, kidneys and blood vessels. That is why it is highly recommended to all diabetics to be checked thoroughly and at least annually by a cardiologist and an endocrinologist, as well as an optometrist, besides trying to maintain a normal blood glucose level.
Destroying vessels is one the most important side effects of diabetes in which causes lots of problems for patients in long term. Legs vessels are more vulnerable because blood circulates there for two reasons: gravity and vertical position of the body, hence they are more vulnerable to more damages. Moreover, it can be because of weight bearing and body pressure specifications or the reason can be ulcers caused by uncomfortable shoes, nail issues, and more other reasons.
In normal people these ulcers, feet (legs), and lower limbs are cured more than diabetics, and this is the case that patients themselves have figured out. Describing the reasons needs further information by endocrinologists, but there are two points worth considering:
- Weakening of the immune system in diabetes.
- Decreasing blood circulation to feed the damaged cells because of vascular problems caused by diabetes.
That is why it is always highly recommended to the diabetics to check their feet all the time, not to wear tight socks, to wear comfortable orthopedic shoes, etc. in case of ulcers, the treatment won’t be easy especially if it is severe.
What should we do to prevent the feet ulcers?
First of all, healthy regular diet and checking blood sugar level along with paying attention to alarm signs which was described above briefly. You can contact your GP for further information.
What are the symptoms of diabetic foot ulcer and what should we do?
First of all it should be said that about 3-15% (1-2 people out of six) of the diabetics will develop diabetes side effects in their lower limb, in particular diabetic foot ulcer. It shows that this problem is not for others and must be taken into consideration. The symptoms are variable; Such as, burning sensation in feet, swelling, numbness, pain, tingling sensation, bruises and ecchymosis which eventually will end up in foot ulcer.
As it is said, treatment of diabetic foot ulcer is depended to the severity of it. Sometimes, hospital admission and prescribing strong anti-biotics along with special dressings is enough. However, in some cases dead tissues and cells must be removed surgically. Unfortunately, sometimes wide surgical debridement as well as limb amputation is severe cases are needed.
Recently, new management technique is commenced in order to prevent amputation. In this specific method, highly trained interventional cardiologist, can intervene using different facilities like stent or balloon to recanalize the affected vessel. This will increase the blood supply to the ulcer and as a result will cause rapid healing of ulcer which eventually decreases the possibility of amputation. If you are suffering from diabetic foot ulcer, you need to seek advice from an experienced interventional cardiologist for and accurate management plan after a precise assessment.
