Foot ulcers are strongly related to diabetes mellitus and arise from secondary
complications of the disease. Although many factors contribute to the development of
ulcers, the major contributors are peripheral neuropathy, poor blood circulation, foot
deformities, and an impaired immune response.
High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, particularly in the distal part of the body,
such as the feet. This condition, known as diabetic neuropathy, reduces sensation in the
feet, making it difficult to feel pain, heat or cold. As a result, injuries or sores on the feet
may go unnoticed, leading to ulcers. One of the main ways that diabetic neuropathy
contributes to foot ulcers is the repetitive stress put on skin and muscle tissues during
walking. Unlike people with intact pain perception, people with diabetic neuropathy do
not alter their walking pattern, which results in repetitively loading the same areas of the
foot during walking. This repetitive loading can lead to tissue and skin breakdown,
causing foot ulcers. People with diabetic neuropathy may also not feel sharp objects
and extreme temperature changes on their feet, which can result in foot injury and foot
ulcers. Lean more about Dr. Wijesundara’s research in the full article here.