People with diabetes are prone to various kinds of problems. Those with a high level of glucose or sugar in the blood for a long time can face serious complications like foot problems. According to a study by International Diabetes Federation, a limb is lost every 30 seconds in the world because of diabetes. There is a lack of awareness for diabetes, as well as foot complications it may cause, in India. This is despite the fact that studies show that over 60 per cent of the world’s diabetes population comes from Asia. What is more worrying is that India and China have the most significant contribution.
Diabetic foot
Uncontrolled glucose in diabetic patients may cause foot ulcers. Foot ulcers are among the most common complications among diabetes patients. Some reports suggest that there is a 25 per cent likelihood that a diabetes patient can develop foot ulcers during their lifetime.
We all know that diabetes reduces our body’s ability to fight infection drastically. Even a minor wound, if ignored, can grow into a deeper wound and lead to a ‘foot ulcer’
Why does it happen?
Uncontrolled sugar, not adhering to proper medications, ignorance and improper foot care may lead to Diabetic foot ulcers or DFU. As it takes a long time to heal, doctors often term them as ‘non-healing’ wounds. They are a common cause behind amputations, which become necessary to prevent the infection from spreading further.
Consult a doctor at the earliest
If any wound or ulcer persists, it is always advisable to consult doctors at the earliest. A doctor will be able to decide what is best for you. In such cases, removing dead skin and tissue regularly or debridement and dressing – not to mention rigorous sugar control -are known treatments.
Cadexomer Iodine
This has overcome traditional iodine preparations and has superior healing properties. Doctors are now giving it preference over Povidone Iodine. It has the dual advantage of absorbing all the unwanted fluid and pus and releases iodine slowly to make sure an antiseptic action for a prolonged duration.