This narrowing cannot be resolved, but can be prevented by careful glucose control. Diabetes also causes peripheral neuropathy and the loss of sensation, especially sharp-dull discrimination, in the legs and feet. For this reason, injuries to the feet may go unnoticed and can progress into serious wounds. Neuropathy cannot be cured, but careful glucose control slows its progress. Diabetics must be extremely vigilant about foot care, and should seek immediate medical attention for any wounds.
Special shoes can help relieve pressure.
Also known as bedsores, pressure ulcers are very common in older and immobile persons. When too much pressure is placed on them, cells do not get enough oxygen. Those cells closest to the bone begin to die, and the wound spreads toward the skin surface. Thus, a pressure ulcer indicates not only a surface wound, but also a deep tissue wound. All wounds heal in three stages.