If you have diabetes, you’ve probably heard that foot ulcers are a serious complication. But are diabetic foot ulcers dangerous, really? And how dangerous are diabetic foot ulcers? In short, they can be very dangerous. If left untreated, diabetic foot ulcers can become infected and lead to serious complications, including bone infection, sepsis (a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout the body), and even amputation. In fact, they are the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations. But the good news is that diabetic foot ulcers are preventable. With proper foot care and management of your diabetes, you can help to reduce your risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look, including the risks associated with them and how to prevent them. What Are Diabetic Foot Ulcers? A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound on the foot of a diabetic individual. People with diabetes are more likely to develop foot ulcers because of two main complications: What Are the Causes? Diabetic foot ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including: If left untreated, diabetic foot ulcers can become infected and lead to serious complications, including: How to prevent diabetic foot ulcers There are a number of things that people with diabetes can do to prevent foot ulcers, including: What to do if you have a diabetic foot ulcer If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, it is important to see a doctor or podiatrist right away. They will clean the wound and treat any infection. They may also suggest other therapies such as: Most diabetic foot ulcers can heal with adequate care. However, it is important to be patient, as healing can take several weeks or even months.