A mistake many people make when consulting a doctor for post-diabetes treatment is not consulting a doctor specifically for the feet. Diabetic leg ulcers are not treated with a specialist like you are with a diabetes specialist for diagnosis and treatment of blood sugar levels in the body. So many people lose their toes, says Dr. R Krishnamoorthy, Joint Director and Senior Consultant – Plastic Surgery, SIMS hospital Chennai.
Test for diabetic patients
If diabetes is a lifelong disease, it is necessary to have appropriate tests at regular intervals to get proper treatment. Blood sugar level A physical examination every six months can help detect side effects early, even if they are kept under control. Recently, the awareness that diabetes affects kidneys, heart, eyes and nerves has increased among people. But the reality is that there is not enough awareness in finding the right doctor and getting treatment for foot ulcers.
Why foot damage in diabetic patients?
About 10% of people with diabetes suffer from foot ulcers. This is due to the weakening of the nerves due to diabetes. Thus there is no emotion. This is called diabetic neuropathy. For some others
Peripheral artery disease will be affected. Due to this, the blood flow in the legs will not be sufficient. Some have a mixture of both. Due to this, even a small injury is not visible to them. When these become severe and the toes become swollen, they come for medical treatment when they develop fever.
Why diabetic patients do not notice foot ulcers
Diabetic patients do not observe the feet during the examination. Doctors also do not advise this during diabetes testing. Instead, he is referred to a surgeon or a plastic surgeon only when symptoms such as rash on the feet, toenails, and problems with pressure points occur. Foot ulcers can be prevented by having a plastic surgeon perform a foot examination at every post-diabetes physical examination from the initial stage. It can be cured with early treatment.
Who has more foot ulcers due to diabetes?
Although diabetic foot ulcers are more common in men, they can be seen in women as well as men. Too much walking, dry feet, lack of proper care, lack of blood flow and sensation may lead to scratching of the feet by another foot when there is itching. Only then the sores appear. These foot ulcers are often aggravated by walking barefoot. Eventually the pressure may be too much to walk on the legs.
Why delay healing of foot ulcers in diabetic patients?
Diabetic patients may find it difficult to keep their blood sugar levels under control. In this case, when the foot ulcers are serious and the blood sugar level is not controlled, special treatment is required. But this treatment cannot usually be given by a diabetes care provider. to the people For foot ulcers Although there is no awareness that one should consult a private doctor for treatment, sometimes even the doctors themselves do not refer the patients to appropriate specialists for treatment. In severe cases, referral to a specialist is also recommended when the affected area worsens. Lack of proper guidance and early treatment makes it difficult to heal ulcers and save organs.
