Diabetes ulcers

 Written by: Muhammad Arif Rahimi

According to the information provided by the Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan, about 3,000 diabetics have lost their lives this year. Diabetes is incurable, but it could be controlled. If a part of a diabetic patient's body gets injured and if he/she does take care of it, what kind of health problems could it cause and how could diabetic patients avoid diabetes ulcers?

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some diabetics and a physician about this disease.

A man, a resident of Kandahar province says, “One of my relatives was suffering from diabetes. One day he lit a match and cause a small injury on his foot’s finger. He did take care of it and the wound enlarged and later the doctors cut his finger. Next time they cut his leg and finally, he died.”

Asma Ahmadzai, a resident of Mazar-e-Sharif, city Balkh province says, “My aunt was suffering from diabetes and her leg was injured and she treated so many times but the ulcer was getting worse and at the end, she died.”

Doctor Haseebullah Muhammadi, an internist at Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital, Kabul city says, “Those who are suffering from diabetes, must take care of themselves and should try to not injure themselves. A small wound of diabetes would get worse soon and it would cause to destroy veins, flesh and bones and the doctors have to cut the affected bones and it mostly causes the death of the patient.”

What do people think about the causes of diabetes ulcers?

Zubaidullah, a resident of Maidan-Wardak province says, “Most people do not take care of diabetes ulcer and the wound gets worse.”

Anwar, the resident of the mentioned province says, “Those who do not check and control their diabetes, a small wound will enlarge and will cause problems.”

Doctor Muhammadi says, “There are many causes that why diabetes ulcer gets worsen. Not bring diabetes under control; weakening the immune system; not taking medicines on time and eat foods dangerous to diabetics.”

How do people take care of diabetics?

‌“Behishta, a resident of Mazar-e-Sharif city, Balkh province says, “My 2 uncles and 1 aunt are suffering from diabetes and they all control their diabetes. My aunt had injured her leg. She is taking her medicines according to the doctor’s advice and she was taking care of her wound and her wound healed.”

Doctor Muhammadi says, “Diabetes ulcers are mostly found on feet and would be healed with difficulties. The diabetics should always wear cotton socks and soft shoes; they should pay attention to their hygiene; they should avoid their feet from touching hard things; bring diabetes under control; take their medicines on time and avoid the worse foods.”