Foot care quiz: Everything you should know about diabetic foot ulcers
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Foot care quiz: Everything you should know about diabetic foot ulcers
Most people walk, stand, and push with their feet countless times throughout each day without much thought making our feet one of the most neglected parts of our body. However, for individuals with diabetes, it is essential they practice good foot care habits to avoid developing a diabetic foot ulcer.
A diabetic foot ulcer is when someone with diabetes has an open sore or wound commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer with those who use insulin who are at a higher risk. Other high-risk individuals with diabetes include those with diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease, being overweight, and those using alcohol and tobacco which can play a role in its development.
Foot ulcers are a concern for anyone with the disease of diabetes as this is what lands more people with this condition in the hospital than any other diabetes-associated condition. To see how much you know about diabetes and foot ulcers, take the quiz below:
1. What percentage of people with diabetes develops foot ulcers at least once?
a. 1% to 15%
b. 15% to 25%
c. 25% to 40%
d. 40% to 55%
Answer – B - Approximately 15% to 25% of people with diabetes will develop foot ulcers at some point in the course of their disease. Everyone with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, should check their feet every day looking for any kind of sores, cuts, blisters or anything else that could lead to a foot ulcer.
2. Seeking immediate medical attention can reduce the risk of unwanted complications of foot ulcers, including amputation, by what percentage?
a. 50%
b. 67%
c. 78%
d. 85%
Answer – D - Diabetic foot ulcers are responsible for 60% of all non-trauma related amputations each year. According to an article published by the online clinical journal Medscape, 12% to 24% of diabetic foot ulcers result in foot amputations. However, seeking immediate medical attention increases a person’s chances of avoiding amputation and other complications and making a full recovery. In fact, up to 85% of amputations can be avoided when one seeks early treatment, according to the American Diabetes Association.
3. Which of the following diabetes complications increases the risk for foot ulcers? More than one answer may be correct.
a. Poor circulation
b. Neuropathy
c. Improperly fitting shoes
d. Bunions or hammertoes
e. All of the above
Answer – E Poor circulation makes it more difficult for blood to carry the oxygen and nutrients necessary for maintaining foot health and supporting the healing process in the feet. Neuropathy or nerve damage leads to feelings of pain, tingling, or numbness in the feet indicating a person is at a greater risk for foot ulcers. Shoes that are too tight or too loose along with bunions or hammertoes can create friction on the surfaces of the feet causing blisters and other sores to form.
4. What percentage of people with diabetic foot ulcers also has diabetic neuropathy?
a. 20%
b. 50%
c. 75%
d. 80%
Answer – D - While diabetic neuropathy affects 60% of people with diabetes, it strikes 80% of those who have diabetic foot ulcers.
5. In addition to adopting a diabetic diet, people with diabetes should also eat a diet low in which of the following to reduce risk of diabetic foot ulcers.
a. Salt
b. Monosodum glutamate (MSG)
c. Saturated fat
d. Food additives
Answer – C - Doctors and Registered Dietitians recommend people who have diabetic foot ulcers adopt a diabetic diet to regulate blood sugar while also limiting their saturated fat intake. Both factors are thought to support and accelerate the wound-healing process.
6. An individual with diabetes needs shoes that fit properly, so when is the best time of day to buy shoes?
a. First thing in the morning
b. Midday around lunchtime
c. Towards the end of the day
d. Anytime during the day
Answer – C - People with diabetes should buy shoes closer to the end of the day. Feet can swell throughout the day and will be largest after you’ve been on them all day. Shoes that fit properly are particularly important for people with diabetes. Insist on having your feet measured regularly. Also, try on shoes with socks to get a proper fit. Anyone with peripheral neuropathy should break in new shoes gradually and always inspect their feet for blisters or pressure points after wearing new shoes.
7. Which of the following are good foot care tips for people with diabetes?
a. Obtain good blood glucose control
b. Do daily foot care and inspections
c. Try to do some form of exercise several times a week
d. Never walk around barefoot
e. Have a comprehensive foot exam by your doctor at least once a year
g. All of the above
Answer – G – Foot complications can be prevented or delayed with good diabetes self-management. Daily foot care of keeping feet clean and dry and using lotion or cream to the tops and bottoms of feet should be done daily. Inspect feet daily for cuts, scratches, blisters, and swelling, and report abnormal findings to your doctor. Remaining physically active improves circulation to your feet but always consult with your doctor before beginning a new physical activity. Think of your shoes as a protective barrier from anything on the floor or ground. Be sure to remind your doctor to look at your feet at least yearly.