Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Alternate Names : Diabetic Foot Wound, Diabetic Neuropathic Ulceration, Mal Perforant Ulcer, Diabetic Dermal Ulcer, Diabetic Dermal Wound
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Prevention consists of following guidelines for foot care for people with diabetes. These guidelines include
regularly inspecting the feet and wearing shoes and inlays that fit properly.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
If a diabetic foot ulcer isn't treated early and effectively, a person may
experience:
an infection in the ulcer itself
septicemia, an infection of the
bloodstream, which can be caused by bacteria from the ulcer
loss of function and ability to perform activities of daily living
amputation of the involved
foot
or leg
death
In the United States, people with diabetes account for 50% of nontraumatic
amputations. Most
of these amputations are below the knee. After a limb has been amputated, the
opposite limb is often lost within a few years. This happens not only because of ongoing
problems and vascular disease, but also because the opposite leg must bear
increased pressure and workload.
What are the risks to others?
A diabetic foot ulcer is not contagious and poses no risk to others.
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