Infection ...

Infection is particularly common when blood sugar levels are abnormally elevated.   Often a minor break in the skin of the foot may lead to infection spreading very rapidly and even spreading into the bone.  Usually long courses of antibiotics and sometimes surgery is required to completely clear the infection from the foot.  The best defence in stopping this complication is to treat all skin breaks, no matter how small, very carefully.  Particular attention should be paid to cleaning the wound with saline and applying a sterile non-stick dressing.  Antiseptics should only be used under the direction of a practitioner experienced in "high risk foot" wound care.