Diabetic foot treatment: with Dr. Peter Moheb Banoub

Diabetic foot is one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus, resulting from prolonged high blood sugar levels that cause nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) and poor blood circulation in the feet. These changes increase the risk of wounds, ulcers, and infections that can progress to severe complications if not treated promptly. Thanks to significant advances in vascular surgery and diabetic foot management, many patients can now preserve their limbs through early diagnosis, improved blood flow, and specialized wound care, reducing the risk of amputation and improving overall quality of life.

What Is Diabetic Foot?

Dr. Peter Moheb Panoub explains that diabetic foot refers to a group of foot disorders affecting people with diabetes as a result of impaired circulation and peripheral nerve damage. Because sensation is often reduced, patients may not notice cuts, burns, or pressure injuries. Without timely treatment, these wounds can worsen, affecting deeper tissues and even the bones. Therefore, early detection, routine foot examinations, and continuous medical follow-up are essential for successful treatment and limb preservation.

Causes of Diabetic Foot

Dr. Peter Moheb Panoub emphasizes that several factors increase the likelihood of developing diabetic foot complications, including poor blood sugar control, peripheral arterial disease, diabetic neuropathy, smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, wearing inappropriate footwear, and neglecting daily foot care. Even a small crack or minor wound can rapidly progress into a serious medical condition if left untreated.

Symptoms of Diabetic Foot

Dr. Peter Moheb Panoub confirms that the symptoms of diabetic foot vary from one patient to another. Common signs include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, reduced sensation, cold feet, skin discoloration, delayed wound healing, foot ulcers, wound discharge, swelling, and persistent pain or discomfort. Any of these symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation to prevent severe complications.

Diagnosis of Diabetic Foot

Dr. Peter Moheb Panoub points out that diagnosing diabetic foot begins with a comprehensive clinical examination, including assessment of blood circulation, evaluation of nerve function and sensation, Doppler ultrasound of the arteries and veins, and additional imaging studies or laboratory tests when necessary. These investigations help determine the underlying cause of the problem and guide the selection of the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.

Treatment Options for Diabetic Foot

Dr. Peter Moheb Panoub explains that the treatment of diabetic foot depends on the severity of the condition. Management may include strict blood glucose control, professional wound cleaning and debridement, antibiotic therapy for infections, advanced wound dressings, restoration of blood flow through endovascular procedures or vascular surgery when required, and the use of specialized therapeutic footwear to relieve pressure on the affected areas. In advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to preserve healthy tissue and prevent the spread of infection.

How to Prevent Diabetic Foot

The risk of developing diabetic foot complications can be significantly reduced by following preventive measures such as maintaining good blood sugar control, inspecting the feet daily, washing and thoroughly drying the feet, wearing comfortable and properly fitting shoes, avoiding walking barefoot, trimming toenails correctly, and quitting smoking. These simple habits play a major role in protecting the feet and preventing ulcers and infections.

Complications of Untreated Diabetic Foot

Failure to treat diabetic foot promptly may result in serious complications including deep infections, gangrene, bone infection (osteomyelitis), severe circulatory impairment, and chronic non-healing wounds. In advanced situations, amputation may become necessary to protect the patient's overall health and prevent life-threatening infection. This highlights the importance of early diagnosis and specialized medical care.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Feet in Patients with Diabetes

To maintain healthy feet and reduce the risk of complications, patients should:

• Keep blood sugar levels well controlled at all times.

• Inspect both feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or other changes.

• Wear appropriate shoes and socks that provide protection and reduce pressure.

• Seek immediate medical attention if any wound, redness, swelling, or ulcer develops.

• Attend regular follow-up appointments with a vascular specialist to monitor circulation and overall foot health.

Diabetic foot treatment is essential for preserving foot health and improving the quality of life of people living with diabetes. Early diagnosis, daily foot care, restoration of healthy blood circulation, and specialized wound management are the cornerstones of successful treatment. With timely medical intervention and continuous follow-up, many serious complications can be prevented, helping patients heal effectively while significantly reducing the risk of limb amputation.