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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a diabetic foot ulcer?
- Are diabetic foot ulcers a common problem for people with diabetes?
- What causes a DFU?
- Am I at risk of developing a DFU?
- What should I look for?
- How can I prevent a DFU?
- Should I see a doctor if I only have a small sore on my foot?
- Who should I see about my DFU?
- How do I get in touch with a wound care specialist?
- Does my primary care physician need to refer me to a wound care specialist?
- Can I see a wound care specialist if my wound is being treated by a home health provider?
- Will my insurance cover my visit to a wound care specialist?
- What can I do to improve my chances for healing?
- What is Heal2gether?
- What is Dermagraft?
What is a diabetic foot ulcer?
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are sores or wounds on the feet that occur in people with diabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are abnormally high. Among people with diabetes, about 15% experience a DFU in their lifetime, and approximately 2.5% develop a DFU each year. If left untreated, DFUs may not heal and may become infected. This can lead to serious complications. However, DFUs can be easily treated if caught early.
Are diabetic foot ulcers a common problem for people with diabetes?
Yes, about 15% of people with diabetes will develop a DFU in their lifetime.
What causes a DFU?
For people with diabetes, prolonged high blood sugar levels can lead to damaged nerves in your feet. This condition, called peripheral neuropathy, can cause you to lose sensation in your feet and may prevent you from noticing injuries, including:
• Sores caused by repetitive minor trauma (such as prolonged walking)
• Wounds caused by a single major trauma (like scraping your foot, stepping on rocks, putting your feet in hot water, cutting your toenails incorrectly, wearing shoes that don’t fit properly)
• Foot problems such as your calluses and hammertoes
If left untreated, these injuries can turn into DFUs. Additionally, people with diabetes may have poor blood flow to the feet, which slows the wound healing process and increases risk of infection and serious complications.
Am I at risk of developing a DFU?
You are particularly at risk of developing DFUs if:
• Your blood sugar levels are too high
• You have nerve damage that causes a loss of feeling in your feet
• You experience changes in the shape of your feet
What should I look for?
DFUs often begin as relatively minor sores or cuts that get worse because of low blood flow and/or infection. Regular foot examinations can help diagnose any problems early on. Keep on the lookout for:
• Cuts
• Scrapes
• Calluses
• Blisters
• Sores
• Redness and red spots
• Swelling
• Toenail infections
How can I prevent a DFU?
Foot hygiene, nail care, and proper footwear are crucial to reducing the risk of an injury that can lead to ulcer formation.
Should I see a doctor if I only have a small sore on my foot?
Yes, if you have diabetes, any sore on your foot is a serious complication and should be treated by a physician immediately. If left untreated, DFUs may lead to serious complications.
Who should I see about my DFU?
You should see a wound care specialist. A wound care specialist focuses on treating DFUs and will have access to advanced technologies.
How do I get in touch with a wound care specialist?
You should talk with your primary care physician about seeing a specialist, or you can find a specialist in your area by clicking the link below:
heal2gether.org/specialist
Does my primary care physician need to refer me to a wound care specialist?
This depends on your insurance plan but often a referral is not necessary. Your local specialist should be able to determine if a referral is necessary. To find your local specialist click the link below:
heal2gether.org/specialist
Can I see a wound care specialist if my wound is being treated by a home health provider?
This depends on your insurance but often you will be able to continue home health treatment along with seeing a wound care specialist. A wound care specialist will have access to treatment methods that a home health provider will not. You should talk with your home health provider or contact your local wound care specialist. To find your local specialist click the link below:
heal2gether.org/specialist
Will my insurance cover my visit to a wound care specialist?
Most insurance plans including Medicare will cover your visit to a wound care specialist. By calling the specialist first you can have him or her help determine your coverage before you would incur any cost. To find your local specialist click the link below:
heal2gether.org/specialist
What can I do to improve my chances for healing?
Seeing a wound care specialist is the first step towards healing. After you meet with a specialist, it’s important to follow their treatment recommendations.
What is Heal2gether?
The Heal2gether Partnership Program aims to empower you with the knowledge to help heal your DFU. To learn more about heal2gether click here.
What is Dermagraft?
Dermagraft is an advanced wound care product that can help heal DFUs quicker than conventional care.
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The contents of this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Heal2gether does not endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, services, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on this site or referred internet sites. For U.S. Residents Only.