People with diabetes are at risk for diabetic foot ulcers due to what underlying issue?

Individuals with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to foot ulcers primarily due to nerve and blood vessel damage. High blood sugar levels over time can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which results in loss of sensation in the feet. This means that minor injuries, blisters, or other skin issues may go unnoticed, allowing them to worsen and potentially develop into ulcers.

Additionally, diabetes can impair blood flow due to damage to blood vessels, which is referred to as peripheral vascular disease. Poor circulation reduces the availability of oxygen and nutrients that are essential for healing, making even minor foot injuries more prone to infection and complications. If these issues are not addressed, they can lead to more severe outcomes, such as infections and, in extreme cases, the need for amputation.

Thus, the underlying issue of nerve and blood vessel damage is crucial in understanding the risk of diabetic foot ulcers, as it directly contributes to the lack of sensation and impaired healing capabilities associated with diabetes.