Primer on Diabetes <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
First, let\u2019s review the basics of diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that is characterized by high blood sugars known as hyperglycemia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually, the pancreas<\/a> releases the hormone insulin in response to high blood sugars. Insulin allows blood sugar to be used up as energy, which restores the blood sugar levels to normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If insulin is not working correctly, sugar, or glucose, will stay in the bloodstream with nowhere to go. This rising blood glucose will eventually be caught in a blood test<\/a>, and the diagnosis of diabetes will be confirmed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two main types of diabetes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n [bensnaturalhealthIinlineLeadGen id =”1″ event=”15 Food Blood Sugar eBook Download” image=”https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Ipad-15-Foods.png” title=”Get Your FREE Diabetes Diet Plan” content=”##15 foods to naturally lower blood sugar levels ##3 day sample meal plan ##Designed exclusively by our nutritionist”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetic foot ulcers are wounds that occur on the lower extremities, especially the bottom of the feet, in those with diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These diabetic foot wounds<\/a> can vary in severity and are usually graded based on the degree of tissue loss: <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n No open skin, fully intact. Mild or superficial loss of skin Ulcer that extends to joints, ligaments, or bone Deep ulcer that becomes infected, known as osteomyelitis Gangrene, or dead tissue, is present Widespread gangrene. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Uncontrolled diabetes can create a perfect storm leading to the development of diabetic foot ulcers. Many factors are involved, which are outlined below: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many times, due to peripheral neuropathy, diabetic ulcers can occur without symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In these cases, the wound will be unnoticed until severe enough to cause issues. This is part of the reason these wounds are so severe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When symptoms are noticed, a person with a foot ulcer may experience the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n These ulcers can also lead to diabetic foot infections that carry their own host of symptoms, including fever, chills, dizziness, fatigue, and dehydration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The diagnosis of a diabetic foot ulcer can typically be made with a careful clinical history and physical exam by a primary care physician or wound care specialist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A doctor will ask about blood glucose control, diabetes medications, lifestyle habits, and how often feet are checked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The presence of a wound is not enough to make a complete diagnosis. The stage of the wound, degree of inflammation or infection, presence of vascular (blood vessel) issues, and gangrene will all be important factors to assess. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, a simple foot wound from accidentally stepping on some rocks may be completely harmless or could represent a grade 1 diabetic foot ulcer. The difference will be in the ability of the body to heal the wound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, a diabetic foot ulcer<\/a> can be avoided by controlling for risk factors. Many people with controlled diabetes will never go on to develop an ulcer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some risk factors for the development of diabetic foot ulcers: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetic foot ulcers are a significant cause of amputations and hospitalizations among those with diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Without proper treatment, a non-healing ulcer will continue to break down and eventually become infected. Infected tissue will lead to further degradation and can cause flu-like symptoms leading to hospitalization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Eventually, without proper blood flow, the wound tissue begins to die or become necrotic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As the gangrenous tissue spreads, the decision is often made to amputate the foot and a portion of the leg to prevent further spread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Amputation will likely halt the spread of dead tissue, but will, of course, lead to its challenges affecting mobility and quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Though the complications<\/a> of foot ulcers are grim, the good news is that are several strategies that can be used to prevent them from happening in the first place: <\/p>\n\n\n\n For those with chronic ulcers, there is almost always a preventable cause, although people can vary in their ability to manage their diabetes<\/a> successfully. Do not be afraid to ask for help if there are barriers to achieving one of these preventable strategies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once a diabetic foot ulcer is identified, prompt treatment will be required to prevent complications. There are many types of treatments for diabetic foot wounds, and choosing the right one will depend on the seriousness of the wound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The approach to the management of diabetic foot ulcer<\/a>s consists of controlling any active infection, stopping the spread of dead tissue, and supporting the body\u2019s natural healing abilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a summary of approaches for treating diabetic foot ulcers; <\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetic foot ulcers are serious wounds that can lead to amputation if not controlled. They are caused by many factors, including poor blood glucose control, nerve damage, and peripheral artery disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These wounds can be prevented by staying on top of diabetes care<\/a>, eating right, and practicing foot care often. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once present, diabetic foot ulcers will need immediate medical attention to support wound healing and prevent any dead tissue. There are several approaches to the treatment of diabetic ulcers, and you should speak with your doctor to help decide which is best suited for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/li>\n\n\n\nWhat are diabetic foot ulcers? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Grade 0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nGrade 1<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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What causes diabetic foot ulcers? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nSymptoms <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiagnosis <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who is at risk for a diabetic foot ulcer? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nComplications of diabetic foot ulcers <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Prevention <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nTreatments and management <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nConclusion <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Explore More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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