Diabetic foot ulcers Practical advices

The risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer

19 to 34 percent of people with diabetes will suffer from a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) at some point in their lives.⁽¹⁾ The risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer increases with the duration of the diabetes. 

You as diabetic patient and your family should be informed about correct implementation of measures designed to decrease the risk of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and associated complications.

Adapt your lifestyle to prevent DFU

• Maintain an appropriate blood glucose control
• Maintain blood pressure control
• Follow an adequate diet
• Take care of your skin (e.g. lotions or oils)
• Stop smoking
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Physical activity is highly recommended: Walk every day.

Visit your doctor on a regular basis

• There are different methods of sensibility tests to help preventing the development of DFU.

Tips concerning nail and skin care to prevent DFU

• Wear wide, comfortable and cushioned shoes to avoid internal friction
• Wear seamless cotton socks
• Wash feet daily with warm/cold water and an acidic soap
• Inspect the feet daily for early signs of lesions (heels, plantar and interdigital zones)
• Carefully dry by blotting or patting (avoid friction)
• In case of dry skin, calluses, and skin cracks: apply emollient/hydrating creams
• Calluses should ideally be treated by a podiatrist, avoiding the use of keratolytic solutions
• Nails should be cut straight – better to use a nail file
• Never walk barefoot on any kind of surface
• Avoid use of hot packs or electric warmers to prevent risk of burns

The management of diabetic foot ulcers is aimed at preventing infections and providing an optimal wound healing environment. If a diabetic foot ulcer is suspected, an urgent referral and assessment is vital as a delay in diagnosis and treatment increases morbidity and mortality and can contribute to a higher amputation rate.

Once the DFU has healed, it is important to prevent recurrence or development of a new DFU.

If your are a health care professional please refer to Prevention & Treatment of DFU.