Patient/caregiver were instructed on the contribution of poorly controlled atherosclerosis for development and poor healing of diabetic foot ulcers as follows: Atherosclerosis is increased deposition of fats and cholesterol on the inner walls of the blood vessels.  Poorly controlled blood sugars in diabetic individuals also is a strong factor contributing to increased atherosclerosis. Excessive deposition of fats and cholesterol progressively close down the lumen of involved blood vessels and reduce blood flow through them. Poorly [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed on the contribution of poorly controlled hypertension for development and poor healing of diabetic foot ulcers as follows: Poorly controlled blood sugars in diabetic patients over time result in increased production of toxic inflammatory chemicals in the body. Chronic exposure of the nerve tissue to these inflammatory chemicals lead to progressive damage to the nerves and impair the ability of nerves to communicate various signals. This results in compromise of an individual’s [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed on the contribution of obesity for development and poor healing of diabetic foot ulcers as follows: Increased resistance to action of insulin in diabetic patients can lead to impaired glucose transport from blood into the cells, contributing to elevated and poorly controlled blood sugars. Over time, poorly controlled blood sugars can lead to excess deposition of visceral fat, poorly regulated body mass index (BMI), and obesity. Excess visceral fat in obese individuals [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed on the contribution of chronic severe alcoholism for development and poor healing of diabetic foot ulcers as follows: Chronic alcoholism is considered to be a potential risk factor for increased insulin resistance and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Continued excessive alcohol intake in diabetic individuals can worsen the insulin resistance further and lead to poorly managed blood sugars. Poorly controlled blood sugars in diabetic patients over time result in increased production [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed on the contribution of poor fitting footwear for development and poor healing of diabetic foot ulcers as follows: Various mechanical forces acting on the feet of poorly managed diabetics, such as, shearing stress, friction, and compression due to the weight contribute significantly to risk for skin integrity. Coexisting neuropathy in these individuals can result in compromised nerve supply to the numerous small intrinsic muscles in the foot, which control the action of [...]