Diabetic foot ulcers are a complication that can lead to serious infection, gangrene and, eventually, amputation.
In May 2013 the Pakistani Journal of Medical Science reported the results of a study on this disorder and which particular patients might be at high risk.
A total of 430 participants, all diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, were included in the study.
Their average age ranged from early forties to early sixties.
Diabetics were considered at risk if they had:

• slow ankle reactions,
• had developed diabetic ulcers in the past, or
• had a poor sense of vibration of touch in their feet.
  

The people at highest risk had:

• the most advanced age,
• had diabetes for the longest amount of time,
• had higher HbA1c levels,
• showed signs of diabetic eye disease,and
• tended to have less training in caring for themselves than did patients at low risk.
  

Advancing age, unfortunately, is something none of us can do anything about but fortunately some risk factors can be changed.
The HbA1c percentage is a measure of blood sugar control over the past 8 to 12 weeks.
It is possible to keep the HbA1c level below 7 by:

• maintaining a healthy diet,
• regular exercise, and
• sticking to prescribed medications.
  

Diabetic retinopathy or eye disease, in itself has nothing to do with foot ulcers but it is a sign small blood vessels in the eyes are being damaged by high blood sugar levels.
Keeping your blood sugar under control is ideal for both your eyes and feet - as well as the rest of your body.
Caring for oneself or a family member with Type 2 diabetes is not difficult but it does require some teaching and training.
Many doctors and hospitals employ Diabetes Education Nurses whose main function it is to teach diabetics and their families in self-care.
The American Diabetes Association maintains a list of Diabetes Education Programs at their website http://www.
diabetes.
org/.
After plugging my zip code into the website I was able to come up with 14 programs within 20 miles of my home.
The Mayo Clinic's website lists 10 ways of staying healthy with diabetes and explains good foot care.
Many videos on diabetes self-care in general, and foot care in particular, are available from hospital libraries, local libraries, and the internet.
Medline Plus, a source of information from the National Institute of Health in the United States, offers a wide range of titles dealing with diabetes self management.
A few of the titles include:

• Control Your Diabetes,
• It's Worth Your Time,
• Healthy Coping,
• Know Your Diabetes ABC's,
• Monitoring, and
• Healthy Eating at Family Gatherings and Special Events.
  

The site also offers articles on subjects such as family support and preventing complications.
Staying educated about Type 2 diabetes and taking control is a great way to prevent not only diabetic foot ulcers but any of the complications that accompany uncontrolled blood sugar.