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Why Are Diabetic Foot Infections So Dangerous?
Published: Sep 21, 2024
Diabetic foot infections are a serious concern for people with diabetes, often leading to hospitalizations and amputations. Understanding the causes and risks can help in preventing these severe outcomes.
What Causes Diabetic Foot Infections?
Diabetic foot infections usually start when microorganisms invade tissue through a break in the skin. This break is often a diabetic foot ulcer or dry, cracked skin. The infection can spread to deeper tissues, including tendons and bones, due to complications like neuropathy and poor blood circulation.
Common Symptoms to Watch Out For
Symptoms can range from redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness around the ulcer to more severe signs like pus discharge. Some patients might not feel pain due to neuropathy, making it crucial to look for physical signs of infection.
Who Is Most at Risk?
People with diabetes who have poor blood sugar control, neuropathy, or peripheral artery disease are at higher risk. Those with deep or chronic ulcers are especially vulnerable to infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are infections in the feet of people with diabetes, often starting from ulcers or cracks in the skin.
Look for redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and pus around the foot ulcer.
People with diabetes, especially those with neuropathy or poor blood circulation.
By managing blood sugar levels and regularly checking feet for any signs of injury.
Key Takeaways
Diabetic foot infections are preventable with proper care and early detection.
References
- Caputo GM et al., Assessment and management of foot disease in patients with diabetes, N Engl J Med 1994; 331:854.
- Senneville É et al., IWGDF/IDSA guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of diabetes-related foot infections, Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2024; 40:e3687.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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