How Do I Get My Diabetic Ulcer to Heal?
Over time, elevated blood sugars lead to blockage of arteries in the legs (peripheral arterial occlusive disease) and damage to afferent nerve fibers (neuropathy). The result is poor circulation, accompanied by burning, tingling, and loss of sensation in the lower extremeties, reducing awareness of sore spots that could lead to early treatment, and impaired healing. Medical attention and patient compliance are vital to saving the limb; diabetic foot ulcers are the most common cause of lower extremity amputations.Managing DiabetesGet blood sugars under control. The most accurate indicator of diabetic control is the hemoglobin A1c. Doctors measure this in a simple and convenient blood test. No fasting is required prior to the blood draw. According to revisions of diabetic guidelines by the American Diabetes Association, “For optimal diabetic control, the recommended ADA target for most people with diabetes is an A1c level no greater than 7 percent. It is hoped that achieving this target
