Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes that is not managed with diet, exercise, or insulin treatment. Ulcers form as a result of skin tissue deterioration, exposing the layers beneath. They are most common beneath your big toes and on the balls of your feet, and they can affect your feet down to the bones.

If you have diabetes, you are probably aware of how to prevent diabetic foot ulcers as well as the importance of controlling your blood sugar levels to avoid serious complications such as poor blood flow and nerve damage, which can lead to foot sores or ulcers. You must take steps to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers from forming or from worsening.

How Do Diabetic Foot Ulcers Form? 

Ulcers form as a result of a combination of factors, including a lack of sensation in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, irritation (such as friction or pressure), trauma, and the length of diabetes. Diabetes patients who have had the disease for a long time may develop neuropathy, which is characterized by a reduced or complete inability to feel pain in the feet as a result of nerve damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels over time.

Nerve damage can often occur without pain, and the patient may be unaware of the problem. A simple and painless tool called a monofilament can be used by your podiatrist to test your feet for neuropathy. Bethaniya clinic offers one of the best diabetic neuropathy treatments in Kerala for any severe condition.

Vascular disease can make a foot ulcer worse by impairing the body's ability to heal and increasing the risk of infection. Elevated blood glucose levels can impair the body's ability to fight off infection and also slow healing.

Preventative Measures For Diabetic Foot Ulcers 

Read: Simple and Effective Home Remedies to Cure Leg Ulcers
Here are eight preventative measures to let you know how to prevent diabetic foot ulcers.

• Daily Foot Inspection - Diabetics should inspect both feet daily for blisters, cuts, scratches, and ingrown toenails, according to podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons. It's also a good idea to check the bottom of each foot with a mirror, as blisters frequently form there. Doctors also advise keeping an eye on your feet for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and warmth. If you notice any of these changes, seek medical attention right away. 
• Choose Footwear with Care - When purchasing a new pair of shoes, have your feet measured because their size and width can change over time. Shoes must fit properly, be comfortable, and provide support to the ball and heel of the foot. Shoes that are too tight or narrow, or have high heels, can cause blisters and corns to form. Socks should be clean and dry, with no excessively tight elastic bands. It's also best to avoid wearing sandals or walking barefoot because the ground's surface can irritate your feet and scrape you.
• Diabetes Management - Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can increase your chances of developing diabetes complications. Diabetes affects more than just your blood circulation. It can have an impact on nearly every body system, including your vision, cardiovascular system, nervous system, digestive system, urinary tract, and kidneys, among others. Effective diabetes management is an important step when thinking about how to prevent diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetes management entails taking medication, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring blood sugar levels regularly. 
• Don’t Walk Around Barefoot - This is especially important for people who suffer from diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels diabetic nephropathy.
• Weight Loss - Carrying too much weight increases pressure on your feet, which can cause friction when wearing shoes, leading to scratches and blisters. Nutritionists and dietitians can assist you in losing weight. However, if your blood sugar levels are becoming difficult to manage due to obesity, you should talk to your doctor about an obesity treatment program or a weight loss surgery and whether it is right for you.
• Get the Right Nutrients - A well-balanced diet high in lean protein, fiber, and legumes and low in saturated fats is an alternative treatment for Diabetes and can be extremely beneficial to diabetic patients. Many minerals and vitamins, such as zinc, iron, copper, and protein, are required by the body to grow tissue.
• Quit Smoking - Quitting smoking is one of the first things to consider when looking for ways to prevent diabetic foot ulcers. Tobacco contains nicotine, which constricts the blood vessels that deliver nutrients, oxygen, and healing factors to an injured area. This slows down the healing process and can lengthen the duration of pain. There is also an increased risk of developing lower extremity arterial disease, which causes blood flow to the legs and feet to slow.
• Treating Wounds Carefully - Even if you put forth your best efforts, you may develop a wound. Even a blister caused by a new pair of shoes necessitates careful and thorough treatment to avoid complications. Do not attempt to treat a minor wound at home. Immediate podiatric care can help you avoid serious wounds and infections.

If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your provider right away for an evaluation. Early detection and intervention are critical in preventing complications that could lead to amputation.