As the diabetes epidemic surges across age groups, diabetic foot ulcers are also on the rise
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to this fast-growing, life-threatening epidemic. More than 38 million Americans currently live with diabetes, and that number is projected to reach nearly 55 million by 2030. While rising obesity rates and an aging population remain key factors, new research shows that younger individuals are being diagnosed at alarming rates. Between 2001 and 2017, the number of people under age 20 living with diabetes increased by 45%, and cases of type 2 diabetes in that group nearly doubled. This troubling trend is expected to further strain an already overburdened healthcare system in the coming decades.
As more young people are diagnosed, the risk of complications, including diabetic foot ulcers and related amputations, is also increasing. Lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, limited physical activity, and delayed access to care can all accelerate disease progression and hinder early intervention. These challenges underscore the need for earlier screening, stronger preventive education, and accessible wound care services tailored to younger populations.
“Over the last decade we have seen a steady increase in younger people coming in with chronic wounds and diabetic foot ulcers, sometimes as young as their early 30s,” said Christina Le, CNO of Wound Care Advantage, a leading wound center services support company. “It is a disturbing trend and we are waiting for more data but it is definitely cause for concern.”
Diabetic Foot Ulcers: The Most Common Cause of Hospitalization Among Diabetics
The most common cause of hospitalization among diabetics is a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), or an open sore on the lower limb that becomes infected. DFUs typically develop on weight-bearing areas of the foot, most commonly the bottom of the big toe, the ball of the foot or the heel. Approximately 15 to 25 percent of individuals with diabetes will be diagnosed with a DFU at some point in their lives, and one in five of these patients will undergo a lower limb amputation. In fact, every 20 seconds a diabetes-related amputation is performed. The five-year mortality rate is upwards of 74 percent for patients with lower extremity amputation – higher than those for several types of cancer including prostate, breast, and colon combined.
Why Are Diabetics More Vulnerable to Foot Ulcers and Chronic Wounds?
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels deprive the blood vessels of much-needed oxygen and nutrients, which are necessary for healing. To complicate things further, many individuals with diabetes have a loss of sensation in the lower limbs stemming from diabetic neuropathy. They may be unaware that a wound exists. On occasion, a trip to the ER for a high fever results in the discovery of a non-healing wound that has become infected. Many individuals with diabetes also have peripheral artery disease causing compromised blood flow to the feet, exacerbating the severity of the wound.
What Do People With Diabetes Need to Know?
A simple cut or scrape can quickly develop into a severely infected wound that does not heal and may be life-threatening. If a diabetic ulcer is suspected or discovered, a physician should be contacted immediately for an evaluation and possible referral to a wound care specialist. The general rule of thumb for most people is if a wound hasn’t healed on its own within 30 days, it should be evaluated. But if a patient has diabetes, early intervention is critical. With proper treatment, complications can be avoided.
“It’s important for people to know that a chronic wound in a diabetic patient can become infected quite quickly because of poor circulation,” said founder & Medical Director, Ian R. Cook. “If a patient gets evaluated early on, commits to treatment and is compliant with instructions, it will help prevent amputation.”
Wound Care Tips for Individuals with Diabetes:
- Check your feet on a regular basis, including the bottoms; contact a physician if a wound is discovered
- If you’re already in treatment for a chronic wound, keep all appointments and follow instructions
- To help promote healing, consume a nutritious diet with an appropriate mix of protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains
- Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking. Smoking reduces circulation and impedes healing
Santa Clarita Valley Wound Care and Hyperbarics specializes in the healing of chronic wounds. Our team is specially trained in treating wounds that have resisted healing after weeks or months of traditional treatment. If you or someone you love has a non-healing wound, give us a call at (661) 425-5000, email info@scvwoundcare.com, or visit scvwoundcare.com for more information and assistance.