Diabetic foot ulcers can be very dangerous and can potentially lead to amputations; in the worst cases they could potentially be fatal if an infection spreads. Foot ulceration can often go unnoticed in a diabetic person because they lack the sensation of pain as a result of damaged nerve endings that occur after continuous high blood sugar levels. Wound healing processes are very important for diabetic people. It is also recommended that diabetics check their feet every day for sores or cuts.

When diabetic foot ulcers are not treated or they do not heal rapidly enough, they may become serious problems. Faster wound healing processes reduce the chances for infection and the potential for amputation. After foot ulceration heals, however, patients still need to take special care of the area because there may be remaining scar tissues underneath the skin that can easily break down. Part of the wound healing is often to wear protective footwear to relieve the affected area from pressure, which helps to prevent re-opening of the ulcer.

If diabetic foot ulcers don't heal normally and they go on for an extended period of time, they become chronic problems that require hospital care and can drastically diminish the quality of life for the patient. Preventing foot ulceration is the best medicine, which includes proper bathing, nail trimming, wearing shoes that have been fit correctly with socks, frequent doctor visits, controlling blood sugar levels, and checking feet daily. If ulcers do occur, patients must begin the wound healing processes immediately with help from their doctor. Wound healing also includes continued use of protective footwear to prevent wound recurrence, even after the ulcer seems to be completely healed.

Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious problem, and if they go untreated they can become even more serious. Diligent care and prevention is the best cure at the moment, and new medications are being tested that will hopefully provide some relief in the future.