We’re here to help with diabetic foot ulcers

1. Wound
   A very broad term that describes an injury to living tissue, such as the skin.
2. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU)
   An open sore or wound on the foot of a person who has diabetes.
3. Diabetes
   Diabetes is a longlife condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high, either through insufficient or ineffective insulin production by the pancreas.
4. Wound Hygiene
   The healthcare professionals you see may go through a four-step protocol of care, such as Wound Hygiene, at each dressing change. This will give your wound the best chance of healing.
5. Wound care dressing
   You may know this as a plaster or bandage, but your healthcare professional might call it a wound care dressing.

Most importantly, managing your diabetes

But good nutrition and being physically active, wearing appropriate footwear, and being diligent in footcare is really helpful too. Wash and dry your feet daily and check for cuts, bruises and blisters (or have this done for you). Speak to a healthcare professional about any changes right away. Remember, if you develop a diabetic foot ulcer it’s important to rest and seek professional help.

But good nutrition and staying active – seated or standing, whatever works for your body – wearing appropriate footwear, and being diligent in footcare is really helpful too.

Keep an eye out for any unusual swelling, redness, and discolouration

You should also tell your healthcare professional of any numbness, pain in your legs when walking, or foot pain when you elevate your legs. But remember, your diabetes could mean that you feel less pain in your feet so – while pain may be an indicator for some – don’t ignore other tell-tale signs because you are pain free. And whilst blisters, corns and calluses are relatively common in people with diabetes, if they never heal properly they can be linked to diabetic foot ulcers developing, so keep that in mind.

1. Any numbness or change in sensation in any part of your foot.
2. Discharge in your sock or shoe.
3. A strong odour, alongside other symptoms.
4. Body fever or chills, which can suggest an infection becoming more serious.
5. Persistent pain when walking.

Your nurse or doctors is the first port of call, and they may refer you to a foot specialist, like a podiatrist or chiropodist.