Diabetic Ulcers

Diabetic ulcers are sometimes referred to as Neuropathic or Neuroischemic ulcers.  They arise from atherosclerosis (thickening and hardening of the arteries due to plaque build-up) and peripheral neuropathy (decreased sensation).  The combination of poor blood flow and decreased sensation may lead to severe wounds.

Many factors can increase your risk of developing a diabetic ulcer, including:

• Cigarette smoking
• Hyperglycemia (poorly controlled sugars)
• Peripheral Vascular Disease (low blood flow)
• Sensory neuropathy (numbness to pain)
• Motor neuropathy (sometimes leading to clawed toes or a high arch)
• Autonomic neuropathy (dry, cracking skin)
• Charcot deformity