Diabetic Foot: Definition and Risk Factors

Diabetic foot refers to the wounds that occur in the foot area of diabetic patients. Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels, which can lead to poor nerve and blood vessel health. This condition causes loss of feeling in the feet (neuropathy) and problems with blood circulation, facilitating wound formation.

Diabetic Foot Formation and Risk Factors

• Neuropathy (Sensory Loss): Diabetes can cause a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This leads to loss of sensation in the feet. The person may not feel stimuli such as warmth, pain or pressure in the feet, increasing the risk of injury.
• Blood Circulation Problems: Diabetes can cause hardening and narrowing of the arteries. This may cause insufficient blood flow to the feet and slow down the healing process.
• Changes in Foot Structure: Diabetes can cause changes in foot anatomy. Deformities or protrusions in the feet may not distribute the pressure on the foot evenly and increase the risk of injury.

Diabetic Foot Treatment and Prevention

• Regular Foot Care: Checking the feet daily helps detect wounds at an early stage.
• Choosing the Appropriate Shoes: It is important to wear comfortable shoes, the right size and suitable for the foot structure.
• Blood Sugar Control: Keeping diabetes under control helps protect blood circulation and nerve functions.
• Doctor Monitoring: Diabetic patients should be under regular medical check-ups and monitoring by foot health specialists.

Diabetic Foot Treatment and NPWT

NPWT can also be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers. This treatment is used to collect exudate, reduce the risk of infection, and allow the wound to heal in a moist environment. NPWT can speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of amputation.