Diabetic Wound Care

Lee Health: Providing Compassionate Treatments for Your Diabetic Wound Care

Lee Health offers personalized and compassionate care to each of our patients. In people with diabetes, wounds tend to heal more slowly and progress more quickly. It is important to get the right treatment to prevent serious injury or illness.

What is a diabetic ulcer?

A diabetic ulcer — an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes — is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. High blood sugar levels can damage your nerves and blood vessels, making it more difficult for cuts and sores to heal. Ulcers can lead to serious infections or even gangrene. 

Although cuts, grazes, scratches, and blisters can occur anywhere on the body, the feet are one of the most common places of injury. Having diabetes makes you more likely to develop sores and ulcers. 

Preventing Diabetic Wounds 

Diabetic ulcers are usually avoidable through proper prevention methods. 

• Inspect your feet for cuts, blisters, calluses, red spots, swelling and other abnormalities.
• Protect your skin by washing your body daily. Paying special attention to your feet or any areas with open wounds.
• Monitoring and Managing your blood sugar and circulation.

Treatment for Diabetic Wounds

It is important to treat diabetic wounds quickly to decrease the risk of infection and the traumatic consequences of ulcers. Here are some common ways to help wounds heal and prevent further complications. 

• Keep the wound covered and moist
• Monitor blood sugar levels
• Avoid any pressure on infected area

When to See Your Doctor

See your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• tingling
• burning
• loss of sensation
• persistent pain
• swelling