Final answer:
Diabetic ulcers commonly occur on the plantar surface of the foot. This condition is linked to neuropathy and poor blood circulation, which are complications resulting from diabetes. The management of these ulcers includes monitoring blood glucose levels, avoiding injury, and debridement to prevent infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diabetic ulcers often occur on the plantar surface of the foot. These ulcers develop primarily due to two major complications of diabetes: neuropathy, which causes loss of sensation, and poor circulation which impairs healing. The plantar surface, or the bottom part of the foot, is particularly prone to pressure and injury, especially in areas where the bones are close to the skin, like the ball of the foot or the heel.
For diabetics, it is essential to regularly monitor glucose levels to prevent complications like diabetic ulcers. Patients are advised to the sides of their fingers, not the pads, to avoid stimulating the dense pain receptors that can make testing painful.
When a diabetic ulcer is suspected, debridement, or the surgical removal of dead tissue, is often necessary. This procedure reduces the risk of infection, such as gas gangrene caused by the anaerobe C. perfringens. Culturing this bacterium requires an anaerobic environment, as it thrives where there is no oxygen.