Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Updated : November 14, 2025 11:36 PM IST
Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) are a common medical condition that occurs in people living with high blood sugar. It is a chronic health issue that increases the risk of foot conditions and complications, especially in those who have diabetes-related neuropathy or poor circulation.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, diabetes-related neuropathy occurs when your nerves are damaged due to persistent high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, which generally affects your feet. A 2021 study published in the National Institute of Health (NIH) revealed that about 9.1 million to 26.1 million people develop a Diabetic Foot Ulcer every year.
Researchers confirm that neuropathy and ischaemia are two main factors that result in diabetic foot ulcer with significant impairment of quality of life. The US health agency further emphasized that DFU can cause you to lose your leg if timely interventions are not prompted. It states, "These can be complicated by infection and eventually may result in amputation (minor or major) and increased mortality. All of these features contribute to a considerable clinical and economic burden." Other common risk factors of DFU include foot deformities, diabetes complications, and obesity
The 7th Practical Diabetes International Foot Conference classified Diabetic Foot Ulcers with these six stages that include:
According to healthcare providers, DFU symptoms may vary based on the type of foot ulcer. However, some of the most common signs include:
There are several types of treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcers that involve wound care (cleans and disinfects the ulcer), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (this treatment speeds the healing of soft tissue damage caused by a foot ulcer), custom orthotics and braces (to relieve pressure from an ulcer and help it heal), and antibiotics. In severe cases, the best way to treat DFU includes vascular surgery, advanced therapies, or even amputation to prevent further complications.
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No, most ulcers do not heal without medical treatment and can worsen or become infected if ignored.
Early signs include redness, swelling, drainage, foul odour, or a visible sore that doesn’t heal.
They are mainly caused by a combination of peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, and prolonged pressure or injury to the foot.
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that usually occurs on the bottom of the foot in people with diabetes due to poor blood flow and nerve damage.
