Wounds

[Calypso]

I think it's important to realize that people with diabetes often have decreased circulation and decreased feeling in their extremities. This means two things: First, wounds to the feet and hands are slower to heal; and second, due to decreased sensation you may not even notice a serious wound to your foot.

It's important to visually inspect your hands and feet at least once a week to make sure that you don't have any wounds or that, if you do, they are healing normally.

[littlecat123]

Absolutely! Great advice! Also, diabetics should never, ever go barefoot. Wear slippers all the time! It could save your foot or leg!

[aramathea]

My father is 76. Last year he noticed sores on his legs. The sores turned into holes. It turned out he had diabetic neuropathy in his legs. He went to a neurologist and a wound specialist. After months of treatment, the holes were gone. This was a very upsetting experience for me, and I was glad when he got better.

[littlecat123]

He's very lucky that they were able to heal. The circulation to the legs in diabetics is so poor. Also, frequently, their is peripheral vascular disease also and those 2 factors combined can be so dangerous in a diabetic.

I'm glad to hear your father healed.