Men and women with diabetes are prone to health complications due to the rising and falling of blood glucose levels and this is where diabetic leg ulcers become a major aspect of a diabetic’s life. 10% of diabetics today will experience leg and/or foot ulcers at some point in their life and 2% of these people will experience a limb amputation because of this condition. What’s interesting is that leg and foot ulcers are not more common in one type of diabetes versus another. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes you are at just as much risk of contracting this nerve condition as another. When these ulcers are left untreated this is when it can lead to amputation.

Who Gets Diabetic Leg Ulcers?

Anyone can contract a leg ulcer but diabetics are more prone to them because it is the fluctuation of blood sugar levels that create the nerve damage that then creates the leg ulcer. All it really takes is a small cut or wound on the leg to begin the process of diabetic leg ulcers. It is really the healing process that is affected by the nerve damage and the slow or inefficient healing process allows one small cut to grow into a painful and debilitating ulcer. If you are currently living with diabetes it is important to be aware of how important foot and leg care is to help avoid this potentially serious condition.

Leg and foot care does not have to be extensive but you want to try and watch for the following:

o   Try to avoid blisters and sores on your feet by wearing comfortable shoes and shoes that fit properly

o   Frequent pedicures help avoid punctures or ingrown toe nails that could potentially lead to foot ulcers

o   Try to keep the circulation moving through your legs and feet at all times by avoiding sitting for long periods at a time

o   Have your legs and feet checked by your doctor at least twice a year to be safe

o   At the first sign of numbness or tingling visit your doctor immediately to hopefully heal  your leg/foot ulcer before it gets out of control

The majority of people wait too long to have their symptoms confirmed by their doctor and by the time they get there, the ulcer is already well underway and treatment options become limited. If you pay close attention to your body, you can put a stop to diabetic leg ulcers before they begin to interfere with your life and health.