FAQ

The blood of diabetic patients, due to prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels, is prone to peripheral vascular blockages or neuropathy, leading to poor circulation in wounds. The wounds may remain in an inflamed state for an extended period, affecting the healing process. At this point, it may evolve into a Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU).

Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) can occur in diabetic patients who have long been in a state of hyperglycemia, which damages peripheral nerves and blood vessels. If uneven pressure on the feet leads to calluses or trauma, it may further result in wounds that are difficult to heal and damage to the skin and mucosal tissues known as Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU). Moreover, the ulcers may not only be confined to the skin but can also affect deeper tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and bones.

DFU is one of the most common lower limb complications among diabetic patients, with up to 19%-34% (approximately one quarter) of diabetic patients likely to experience “Diabetic Foot Ulcers” at some point in their lives.

it can lead to a series of severe complications, including infections, gangrene, amputation, and even death if not treated ulcerative wounds promptly

If you are a diabetic patient with neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, or frequently wear ill-fitting shoes causing uneven pressure on the feet, there is a high risk of the development of diabetic foot ulcers after the formation of foot wounds.

Your wound may be infected. You can check if your wound has the following conditions. the presence of at least two of the following symptoms may indicate a mild infection , and patients should seek medical attention promptly to prevent the condition from worsening to the point where hospitalization is required：
1. Redness around the wound of 0.5 to 2cm
2. Local swelling of the wound
3. Increased local warmth
4. Local tenderness or pain
5. Purulent discharge

The following are common treatments used by physicians for DFU wounds:
1. X-rays or probes are used to assess the severity of infection in the affected area.
2. Surgical procedures, such as excision, drainage, and debridement, are performed by the surgical team to remove necrotic tissue and address local wound infections. Antibiotic treatment is administered based on the results of bacterial cultures.
3. High-pressure oxygen therapy can be employed to promote circulation and increase the chances of ulcer healing.
4. After controlling the wound infection, skin graft surgery can be considered to enhance the chances of healing foot ulcers.
Through multiple wound cleanings, local surgeries, and prolonged wound care, most diabetic patients have the opportunity to reduce the likelihood of high-level amputations.

Any medication or dressing should be used according to the advice of a doctor or relevant professional, and should not be applied to wounds without proper guidance to prevent worsening and causing more severe consequences.

A small-scale study indicates that, compared to DFU patients without additional supplementation of vitamin C, those who took 500 milligrams of vitamin C daily for eight weeks showed better wound recovery. In the case of vitamin D, research also observed a reduction in the size and depth of ulcer wounds, as well as an improvement in erythema after twelve weeks of vitamin D supplementation.

The newly recommended medical cream following a physician's diagnosis can be inquired and purchased at medical institutions or at statewide “Wellcare pharmacies” with resident pharmacists.