Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the main complications of diabetes. These lesions, often painless due to decreased sensation in the feet, appear as result of the patients’ neurological and/or vascular deficit. They are usually underestimated or even unrecognized by the people affected, and can cause complications such as infections that require hospitalization, or even in the worst cases, amputation; however, this can be avoided by having adequate prevention. On this occasion, Mag. Ana Cabello, a nurse specializing in the management of wounds and ostomies at the Specialized Wound Unit of Clinica Ricardo Palma – UNEH, gives us some advice to prevent the development of diabetic foot ulcers.

Prevention

The basic measures to avoid diabetic foot ulcers are:

• Comprehensive examination of foot deformities
• Neurological examination of the foot:
  • Monofilament (surface sensitivity)
  • Fingerboard (Deep Sensitivity)
  • Tactile test
  • Heat sensitivity
• Vascular evaluation:
  • Detection of the pedal and popliteal pulse
  • ABI test (ankle brachial index)

Foot care recommendations

It is important to follow the following recommendations to prevent the development of diabetic foot ulcers:

• Wear shoes that fit the shape of your foot
• Always wear stockings
• Do not walk barefoot
• Check the general condition of the foot daily (use a mirror to inspect the parts of the foot that cannot be seen)
• Control blood glucose levels at all times and follow an adequate diet
• Visit a podiatrist for foot and nail care (cut/file)
• Do not use products to remove calluses
• Wash your feet daily with soap and water, drying them well between your toes
• Use a moisturizer to keep feet soft
• Avoid heating your feet using a heat source, for example: a hot water bottle

Mag. Ana Cabello
Nurse specializing in the management of wounds and
Ostomies at the Specialized Wound Unit of Clinica Ricardo Palma – UNEH