What is diabetic foot ulcer? Tips for treating or managing it

Among a plethora of health complications that one of India's fastest growing chronic diseases Diabetes bring along, foot ulcers have become a cause of concern for many. The nerve damage and the restricted blood flow in the lower extremities of people with diabetes can develop diabetic foot ulcers. "About 25% of people with diabetes develop diabetic foot ulcers during their lifetime. Around one in five people with diabetes who are hospitalized after developing a diabetic foot ulcer undergo a foot amputation, affecting patients as well as the families," says Dr. Amar Pal Singh Suri, MBBS, CPP, Diabetic Foot Care Centre, New Delhi. Here are the symptoms of foot ulcers that you must pay attention to Discoloration of skin Numbness, tingling, and pain in the legs Blisters or other wounds on the foot Loss of balance Foul smell from foot People with diabetes must never ignore the symptoms of the diabetic foot to avert developing complications that sometimes may be irreversible.