Diabetic foot ulcer precursors

Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
Updated on January 19, 2025
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Diabetic foot, also known as diabetic foot disease, is a very serious complication among endocrine disorders in diabetes, with the most severe consequence being foot ulceration that cannot heal, leading to amputation, and even causing sepsis. Diabetic foot does not occur without reason; there are many warning signs before its occurrence. For example, the affected foot feels cold, it is painful to walk, and there are abnormal sensations. These signs are actually telling you that the blood vessels and nerves in the foot are already affected. Once any abnormal sensation is noticed, it is essential to seek medical attention at a hospital, and it is crucial to provide early and proactive treatment to nourish the nerves and improve circulation in order to prevent diabetic foot.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
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Where to massage for diabetic foot

For diabetic patients, we do not recommend foot therapy. Why is that? First, the foot therapy institutions outside are not very professional; many individuals start working without proper training. The massage might lack strength, and the hygiene standards are often not met, which can lead to local injuries and infections. Second, diabetic patients have a specific bodily constitution due to high blood sugar levels, making their tissues particularly susceptible to damage. Once damaged, these tissues do not heal easily. If the hygiene is substandard, the feet of diabetic patients are especially prone to infection. Diabetic foot patients, because of poor blood supply, are also more susceptible to fungal infections. Therefore, given these factors, it is advised that diabetic patients avoid foot therapy.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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How is type 2 diabetes treated?

The treatment of type 2 diabetes includes the following aspects. First, dietary treatment is recommended, advising regular and quantitative meals three times a day, and avoiding late-night snacks and extra meals. Second, appropriate exercise. Third, self-monitoring of blood glucose; it is best to purchase a glucometer for home use and show the recorded blood glucose levels to the doctor during hospital visits. Fourth, diabetes education. Fifth, medication treatment, which includes oral medications and insulin therapy. It's important to visit an endocrinology specialist promptly to determine the most suitable medication under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Will the fetus have diabetes if the mother has gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a common complication during pregnancy, characterized by elevated levels during glucose tolerance tests conducted while a woman is pregnant. Gestational diabetes can significantly affect both the mother and fetus, but actively controlling blood sugar can generally minimize these impacts. If a baby is born to a mother with gestational diabetes, this baby has a higher likelihood of developing diabetes later in life compared to the general population, but it does not necessarily mean that they will. This is because such babies have a genetic predisposition and might experience insufficient pancreatic function as adults, which can lead to diabetes. Therefore, it is important for these newborns to undergo regular blood sugar monitoring as adults to determine if they have diabetes, and if so, to seek proactive treatment.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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What to eat for diabetic foot

For patients with diabetic foot ulcers, first, their diet should control blood sugar. Foods with a high glycemic index like porridge, glutinous rice, and rice noodle rolls should be avoided. Additionally, sweet foods are also off-limits; it's important for meals to be regular and measured. Second, as patients with diabetic foot ulcers need nutrients for wound healing, they can eat foods high in protein such as eggs, fish, fish soup, and lean meats to promote wound healing. Third, if the patient also has high blood lipids, it's advisable to maintain a light diet and avoid greasy foods.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes, also known as pregnancy-induced diabetes, generally refers to a condition diagnosed during pregnancy where varying degrees of high blood sugar levels are detected for the first time. This includes some cases where glucose intolerance or diabetes was undiagnosed before the pregnancy. Most patients see their blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery, but regardless of whether the high blood sugar normalizes post-pregnancy, it is considered gestational diabetes. Currently, the diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes include a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test. If the fasting blood glucose level is greater than or equal to 5.1 mmol/L, the blood glucose level after one hour is greater than or equal to 10.0 mmol/L, and the blood glucose level after 120 minutes is greater than or equal to 8.5 mmol/L, then gestational diabetes can be diagnosed.