For people without diabetes, a blister from an ill-fitting shoe or a burn on the sole of their foot from the beach would only mean a few days of discomfort. But for a person with diabetes, these injuries could mean the first step toward a foot ulcer and, if left untreated, possibly amputation.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that will not close, a wound that heals slowly or not at all. Some may begin as a break in the skin, such as blisters, cuts, or scrapes. More often, diabetic foot ulcers start with pressure and friction on the lower part of the foot. Calluses can cause damage to the underlying tissues.

Poor blood circulation, another problem that often comes with diabetes, can keep the foot wound from healing by depriving the cells of needed oxygen and nutrients. Living tissue can die, or become infected, and the infection can spread to the muscles and bones of the foot.

Next: Who Is at Risk?

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