Sharon Parmet, MS, Writer; Tiffany J. Glass, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2005;293(2):260. doi:10.1001/jama.293.2.260.

Diabetic foot ulcers are sores or wounds on the feet that occur in people withdiabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are abnormally high. If a foot ulcer goes untreated and does not heal, it may become infected. Because this may result in the foot needing to be amputated, preventing ulcers is very important.

WHAT CAUSES DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS?

In people with diabetes, prolonged high blood sugar levels are linked with damage to the nerves in the feet. Nerve damage can cause loss of sensation as well as deformities of the feet. This nerve problem is called peripheral neuropathy.

Foot problems such as calluses and hammertoes can cause high pressures on the soles of the feet.

People can hurt their feet by repetitive minor trauma (such as prolonged walking) or a single major trauma (like scraping their skin, stepping on objects, immersing their feet in hot water, cutting their toenails inappropriately, or wearing ill-fitting shoes). Because of peripheral neuropathy, they may not notice such injuries, which can then lead to a diabetic foot ulcer.

Poor blood flow to the feet is also common in people with diabetes, and this slows the wound healing process and increases the risk of infection and amputation.

PREVENTION

Diabetic foot ulcers can often be prevented by careful control of diabetes and proper foot care. It is important to control blood sugar levels in order to prevent peripheral neuropathy or to stop it from worsening.

People with diabetes should check their feet, including the areas between the toes, daily for sores and cuts. They should see a doctor immediately if a foot problem develops. Those who cannot see their feet can use a mirror on the floor or a long-handled mirror.

The feet, including the areas between the toes, should be kept clean and dry.

People with diabetes should check the bath temperature with their hand.

Toenails should be carefully trimmed with the contour of the toe, and sharp nail edges should be filed smooth. People with peripheral neuropathy should not cut their own nails, and a clinician, such as a podiatrist (doctor specializing in foot care), should evaluate them regularly.

Footwear should fit properly to avoid friction or pressure. People with peripheral neuropathy should avoid walking barefoot and should check their footwear for foreign objects before putting them on.

POSSIBLE TREATMENTS

Seek appropriate professional care at the first sign of a foot problem.

Avoid putting any pressure on the foot wound.

Keep the ulcer clean and change the dressings regularly, as instructed by your doctor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

1-800-860-8747
http://www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov

American Podiatric Medical Association

1-800-ASK-APMA
http://www.apma.org

American Diabetes Association

1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383)
http://www.diabetes.org

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