What Causes A Diabetic Ulcer To Appear On The Legs?

In patients with diabetes, the most common factor that causes a diabetic ulcer is the lack of blood flow and nerve damage to the legs and feet. The combination of these two factors makes room for ulcers to form. Other factors that can increase the chances of diabetic leg ulcers are a weakened immune system, foot deformities, poor-fitting shoes, and poor hygiene. For this reason, it is important for people with diabetes to take extra care of their legs and feet. Here is a deeper dive to understand what causes diabetic leg ulcers and how to prevent them from forming.

Reduced blood flow toward the legs

Diabetes often causes the blood vessels to harden and become narrow. This makes it harder for blood to flow properly in certain areas of the body, especially in the lower extremities. In medical terms, poor blood flow is also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). Poor blood in certain areas such as the legs causes wounds, or even small cuts and blisters to heal at a much slower pace. Because of this, these wounds have a higher chance to get infected or irritated and eventually become sores. Diabetics that have PAD are usually more prone to form diabetic sores on legs or feet, which can turn into open wounds and ulcers if left untreated.

Nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels

Nerve damage, otherwise known as diabetic neuropathy is another common factor that causes a diabetic ulcer to form on the legs. High blood sugar levels damage nerve endings over time, which leads patients to feel less sensations in their legs and feet. Because these areas feel more numb, it’s easier for small leg wounds such as cuts and blisters to go unnoticed and become infected. Nerve damage, combined with poor blood circulation make it easier for a diabetic ulcer to form and become worse without early detection and proper care.

Other factors that cause diabetic leg ulcers

Many additional risk factors can increase the chances of forming diabetic leg ulcers, including: 

• A Weak Immune System: High blood sugar levels often cause the immune system to plummet. This makes it harder for the body to fight off infection, which as a result, causes a diabetic ulcer to form more easily. 
• Poor-Fitting Shoes: Shoes that don’t fit properly can rub against the feet and cause small injuries, which may lead to the formation of diabetic sores. Proper shoes are crucial to overcome this issue. 
• Foot Deformities: Foot deformities such as calluses, bunions and hammertoes are common among people that have diabetes. These deformities can create pressure points that cause the skin to get irritated or break down. If left unchecked, these deformities may cause diabetic foot ulcers.
• Poor Hygiene: It’s recommended for people with diabetes to maintain daily cleansing  as well as frequent check-ups of the legs and feet. This will help spot small wounds before they become sores and lead to the formation of a diabetic ulcer.

Why do diabetics get leg ulcers more often?

Diabetics get leg ulcers due to being more prone of all of these risk factors. The combination of poor blood circulation, damaged nerves, a weaker immune system, and foot deformities caused by diabetes create the perfect environment for a leg ulcer to form. The combination of these risk factors explains why diabetic ulcers are more common among people that have diabetes.

What bacteria causes diabetic foot ulcers?

When wounds are overlooked, they can lead to infections and become colonized by different types of bacteria that causes a diabetic ulcer to form. Some of the most common types of bacteria that cause diabetic foot ulcers or worsen them are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, and in some cases, even Pseudomonas. These bacteria rapidly multiply and flourish in open wounds, which can oftentimes spread and make the ulcer become worse. The best way to prevent these infections from worsening is by detecting wounds in their early stages and treating them right away before they become serious.

Conclusion

Diabetic ulcers are a serious complication that can even become life-threatening if left untreated. By managing blood sugar levels, wearing proper-fitting shoes, checking and cleaning legs and feet daily, and seeking proper treatment on time can reduce the risk of a diabetic ulcer appearing.