Diabetic Ulcer

 Written by: Muhammad Arif Rahimi

If we do not treat diabetic ulcers as recommended by the physician, along with some other health problems, it can lead to amputation.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to several diabetics and a physician about diabetes ulcers and medication.

Ismatullah, a resident of Wardak province says, “My aunt had a leg injury due to diabetes. she did not pay attention to the ulcer and her thumb was amputated, but she was still indifferent to her wound, and this amputated his leg, and the third time, the flesh and bones of his leg became black and his leg was amputated from the knee.”

Haleen Khan, a resident of Parwan province says, “I am suffering from diabetes. I have an ulcer in my leg but I did not pay attention to it, now my leg is swollen and I am suffering from pain.”

Doctor Emal Muneb, a diabetes specialist at a private hospital in Kabul city says, “If diabetic does not take proper care of her/his wound, the wound will infect and enlarge, lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, irritation, the blood will not stop; the patient cannot walk; the bones of the foot will turn black and finally the foot will be amputated.”
 
What do some patients think about the causes of diabetic foot ulcers?

Shahlala, a resident of Parwan province says, “My brother is suffering from diabetes and he has developed a foot ulcer but he did take care of it and now it’s infected and the wound is enlarged.”

Ismatullah says, “My aunt was taking care of her diabetic ulcer and it enlarged, and finally she lose one leg.”

Doctor Muneb says, “If diabetes is not controlled, the skin of the feet becomes dry; Blisters appear on it and the blisters cause ulcer and if the blood sugar is too high, the ulcer might be treated. If left untreated, the wound can become infected and cause other problems; blood vessels in the leg become narrower or nerve roots will be damaged. As a result, nutrients do not reach the wound properly and thus the wounds increase.”

How do some patients take care of diabetes ulcers?

Ahmad Zia says, “It’s the ninth year that my father is suffering from diabetes. In the beginning, they amputated one finger. Now we take care of him and give him his medicines as prescribed by the physician. If any place of his body cuts, we keep it clean and we wash his ulcer with the serum that the physician recommended for him.”

Deen Muhammad says, “I have been suffering from diabetes for the 15th year. My legs were injured twice. I was washing them with the serum recommended by the doctor. I regularly bandaged my wounds and avoided walking more. My wound healed in about 15 days and now I have no problem.”

Doctor Muneb says, “If diabetics want to heal their ulcer quickly, they should pay close attention to the cleanliness of their wounds. They have to dress the wound properly; قemove the blackened part of the meat and wash it with the serum; wrap a soft bandage around it; Leave half an hour each day in the sun in the open air. Take diabetes control and antimicrobials medicines regularly; pay attention to their diets; avoid putting on tight shoes and use soft shoes. Cotton socks are recommended and avoid more walking.”