Diabetic Foot Ulcer - Prevention and Management


Is Diabetic Foot Ulcer prevalent in the region?

Despite the positive effort of the Healthcare authorities, the prevalence of DM (Diabetes Mellitus) in Bahrain is still extremely high. In fact, one of the highest in the world. Diabetic foot ulcers are common in people with diabetes, affecting approximately 15 percent of diabetics at some point in their lives. 

Who is at risk of developing a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

Anyone who has diabetes is at risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer. Patients suffering from diabetes-related eye, kidney and heart diseases as well as people who use insulin are more likely to get a diabetic foot ulcer. People who lead an unhealthy lifestyle such as using alcohol/tobacco or being overweight can also increase the chances of developing a foot ulcer. People with foot deformities also have a higher chance of getting an ulcer in their foot.

How do diabetic foot ulcers form?

Diabetic foot ulcers usually form because of a combination of factors. They can form because of trauma, poor circulation, foot deformities, lack of sensation in the foot or irritation (such as pressure or friction).

How to prevent a foot ulcer?

The most obvious way is to maintain a healthy life. This involves reducing factors that increase the risk of developing an ulcer such as high blood glucose and high cholesterol. It also means that one should quit smoking and/or drinking alcohol as it only makes your body more vulnerable to diseases. You should also see a podiatrist on a regular basis and should consult with them to make sure that you are wearing the appropriate type of shoes and socks. You should also do routine checks of your feet at least once a day to check for potential problems such as bruises, blisters, redness etc.

What is the role of the optimal blood supply in the prevention of a foot ulcer?

Atherosclerosis is the most common pathology behind Myocardial infarction and Stroke – a frequent cause of mortality in humans. If combined with diabetes it might have potentially fatal consequences. That’s why the assessment of peripheral blood supply in elderly diabetic patients should be performed on regular bases. This can be done in the Vascular lab by non-invasive methods- either using ultrasound and assessing the narrowing and the blood flow or direct measurement of the oxygen saturation in the tissue of the feet.




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The author, Dr Khanimana "Hana" Maresch, MD, Ph D,  has over 20 years of experience in the management of vascular disorders. She is specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of Varicose veins, atherosclerosis, Peripheral vascular disease, assessment of blood supply in the periphery, and vascular complications of Diabetes, stroke prevention, an expert in Vascular ultrasound.

Link to : Vascular Medicine Department