Diabetic Foot Care: How to Prevent Ulcers, Infections, and Amputations

When we think about the body’s complex systems, feet might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But as any podiatrist will tell you, our feet are far more than just the body’s support system. Feet are a key part of our sensory and circulatory networks, especially for those living with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Why Feet Matter More Than You Think

Our feet are embedded with thousands of nerve endings that not only let us feel sensations like pain but also help with balance and mobility. In fact, ancient healing systems often emphasized the feet’s connection to the entire body, something modern science is starting to validate more and more.

Diabetes and Foot Health: A Dangerous Link

One of the most common complications among people with diabetes is foot ulcers. According to the doctor, about 25% of diabetic patients will develop a foot ulcer at some point. That’s a staggering statistic—and unfortunately, some of these ulcers lead to infections, and in severe cases, amputations.

What’s behind this risk? Diabetes damages both nerves and blood vessels. When nerves are affected, they lose the ability to function properly, leading to weakness in the muscles and structural deformities in the feet. At the same time, diabetes also affects blood flow, narrowing both large arteries and the smaller vessels in the feet. This is called microvascular disease, and it makes the skin more fragile and slow to heal when injured.

Warning Signs and Early Prevention

So how can someone know they’re at risk?

First and foremost, if you’re diabetic, you really want to keep your blood sugar under as good control as you possibly can. The trouble is, many people don’t notice symptoms right away. High blood sugar levels can cause silent damage over years before problems appear. That’s why early screening by both primary care doctors and podiatrists is so important. By identifying signs of poor circulation or nerve damage (neuropathy) early, doctors can assess a patient’s risk and help them take preventive steps before a simple issue becomes a serious complication.

Treatment: A Team-Based, Comprehensive Approach

If a diabetic foot ulcer does develop, treatment needs to be swift and strategic. It is a multidisciplinary problem. Treatment typically starts with a thorough wound assessment to determine the cause and severity. From there, a range of specialists may be brought in—from endocrinologists to help with blood sugar control, to vascular surgeons if circulation is poor, and diabetic educators to guide long-term care.

Podiatrists also play a central role in managing the wound locally. This includes:

• Debriding (removing dead tissue) to create a clean healing environment
• Applying the right wound dressings to manage moisture and prevent infection
• Offloading pressure from the affected area to reduce strain and aid healing
• Regular follow-ups are essential, often on a weekly basis, to monitor progress and catch any signs of infection early.

The Takeaway

Diabetic foot complications aren’t just a minor inconvenience; They’re a serious, potentially life-changing risk that affects millions. But with vigilant care, early screening, and a coordinated treatment approach, many of these issues can be prevented or effectively managed.

If you or someone you love has diabetes, don’t wait until symptoms appear. Talk to your doctor, or better yet, a podiatrist, about a foot health screening today. After all, the first step to staying healthy might just be the one you take with your feet.

---

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Dr. Allen Dzambo Jr. is a Podiatrist in the Butler Area. This blog is based off of an interview he did with KDKA Radio in July 2025. Listen to the interview here.