If you want to be active and independent all of your life – whether or not you have diabetes –you need to have healthy feet. Most people take their feet for granted, but people with diabetes really cannot do that. You are challenged by two complications of diabetes really cannot do that. You heal. Non healing ulcers lead to amputation, are challenged by two complications of diabetes that can affect the nerves and blood vessels of the feet—diabetic nerve damage and poor circulation. These complications make it easier for you to get a foot ulcer that will not heal. Non healing ulcers lead to amputation, which will severely limit what you can do for yourself.
The good news is that by taking good care of your feet, you can often prevent diabetic foot complications. If you take care of your feet every day and get good medical care as soon you even suspect infections that make amputation necessary. In fact, at least 50% of amputations in people with diabetes could be prevented this way. You can protect your feet.