Frequently Asked Questions: Diabetic Foot Ulcers

 According to the National Institutes of Health, 60% of people with diabetes may experience nerve loss, which frequently results in foot ulcers.

This blog will answer some of the frequently asked questions about diabetic foot ulcers that may help one avoid this condition if they are living with diabetes. The insights have been gathered by the expert diabetologist practicing at Magna Centre, who is known for performing the best diabetes treatment in Hyderabad. Continue reading for more information.

Question 1. What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that typically develops on the bottom of the foot and affects 15% of people with diabetes. Six percent of people who get foot ulcers end up being hospitalized due to an infection or another problem related to the ulcer. Diabetes is the most common reason for nontraumatic lower extremity amputations, and 14 to 24% of diabetic patients who develop foot ulcers end up having an amputation. However, studies have shown that developing a foot ulcer is preventable.

Question 2: Who is Likely to Get a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A foot ulcer can happen to anyone suffering from diabetes. The likelihood of developing an ulcer is higher in older men. Patients with diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart illnesses, as well as those who use insulin, are also at a higher risk of getting a foot ulcer. Alcohol and tobacco use, as well as being overweight, contribute to the development of foot ulcers. If one is experiencing foot ulcers, they must consult a diabetologist. One can consult the expert diabetologist in Hyderabad at Magna Centre to get an effective treatment.

Question 3: How Do Diabetic Foot Ulcers Form?

Ulcers form due to several factors, including lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, trauma, and the duration of diabetes. Individuals suffering from diabetes for many years develop neuropathy. This refers to the inability to feel pain in the feet due to the nerve damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels. The nerve damage can occur without any pain, and one may not be aware of this problem. Vascular disease can complicate a foot ulcer, reduce the body’s ability to heal, and increase the risk of infections too.

Question 4: How is Diabetic Foot Ulcers Diagnosed?

The expert doctor will perform a physical examination and ask the patient about the symptoms experienced. The doctor might examine the patient’s feet, toes, and legs to check for an ulcer or blister. Depending on the diagnosis, they will recommend the following tests to confirm the presence of diabetic foot ulcers:

1. Blood Tests: The doctor would advise a blood test to check for any infection.

2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This test is performed to look into the foot’s soft tissues. This is done to get detailed information about the extent of damage caused by the ulcer.

3. Radiograph: This test is done to get accurate images of the ulcers from different angles to analyze their type.

Question 5: Do I Have Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

If one is suffering from diabetes, they must perform daily inspections of their feet, as they may not have much feeling in their feet. One should look for open pores, cuts, swelling, or redness. Ulcers also cause drainage in the socks as well as an unpleasant odor. If one notices this, they should quickly have the problem resolved, as diabetes runs the risk of requiring foot amputation without prompt treatment.

Question 6: How Can Foot Ulcers Be Prevented?

The most suitable course of action is to stop a diabetic foot ulcer from developing in the first place. Regularly visiting a diabetologist can help prevent the condition. One is at a high risk if they:

• Have neuropathy
  
• Have poor circulation
  
• Have a foot deformity
  
• Wear inappropriate shoes
  
• Have uncontrolled blood sugar
  

Reducing risk factors such as high cholesterol, drinking alcohol, smoking, or elevated blood glucose are vital in the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Also, wearing the right shoes and socks helps reduce the risks. The expert doctor can provide guidance in selecting the right shoes.

Question 7: Why Should Diabetic Foot Ulcers Be Treated?

Once an ulcer is diagnosed, seek the help of a diabetologist immediately. Foot ulcers in patients with diabetes must be treated for the following reasons:

• To cut down on the risk of infection
  
• To improve quality of life
  
• To reduce healthcare costs
  

Having gone through the above information, if one suspects that they might be a candidate for having a foot ulcer or already have one, then one should seek immediate medical help. Moreover, if one’s diabetes is not under control, one should contact a skilled diabetologist to control it. If one is looking to get the best diabetes treatment in Hyderabad, one can pay a visit to Magna Centre today.

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