Diabetes and Foot Ulcers: Preventing A Serious Problem

It wont be too long before white stuff is covering the ground and we can see our breath in the air. If you have made a snowman before, you know that when you just keep rolling a small snowball around, it will get bigger and bigger. We use the term snowball effect as a way to describe something that can get out of hand quickly. Ulcers are like that, and can be extremely dangerous for someone with diabetes since delayed care could lead to grave consequences.

There are two common complications that many with diabetes face in varying degrees at some point along the way: neuropathy and poor circulation. The first involves loss of sensation that happens when high levels of glucose damage and kill nerves in the feet. This causes an inability to feel heat, cold, and pain. High glucose levels can also cause blood vessels to narrow, restricting the amount of circulation in the lower extremities. These two problems increase the risk of an injury going unnoticed and becoming infected. Even a small injury can take a long time to heal and become worse when crucial nutrients and oxygen cant get to the wound.

To prevent such ulcers, make sure you visit us regularly. We can determine if you are at risk and catch any signs or symptoms early. Second, make every effort to keep your blood glucose levels under control. Avoid smoking and high consumption of alcohol, both of which can have an impact on your circulation. Always wear appropriate socks and shoes, and if you see any indication of a potential problem, seek help right away. This means cuts, scrapes, blisters, cracks, hot spots, bruising, and redness. No matter how small or insignificant a symptom looks or feels, it can develop quickly into a wound needing immediate care.

Keep your foot care at the top of the list if you have diabetes. If you have any concerns or require treatment, contact Houston Foot Specialists today and make an appointment with Aleisha Allen, DPM. You can reach our Houston, TX office by calling (713) 467-8886.

Category: Diabetes

Tags: Diabetes Effect on Feet, Diabetic Foot Care, Diabetic Ulcers