What is the primary cause of diabetic foot ulcers?

The primary cause of diabetic foot ulcers is poor circulation. Individuals with diabetes often experience vascular complications that lead to reduced blood flow to the extremities. This impaired circulation can result in weakened tissues, making the skin and underlying structures more prone to injury and less capable of healing. As a consequence, even minor injuries can progress to ulcers due to the lack of adequate blood supply, which is crucial for healing and fighting off infections.

While increased skin moisture, dietary intake, and ambulation patterns can impact overall skin health and wound development, they are not the primary factors leading to the formation of diabetic foot ulcers. Instead, it is the combination of neuropathy (loss of sensation) and poor blood flow due to vascular disease that puts individuals with diabetes at higher risk for developing these serious foot ulcers.