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Diabetes complications can include nerve damage and poor blood circulation. These problems can lead to skin sores (ulcers) on the feet that can get worse quickly.

The good news is that managing your diabetes and taking care of your feet can help prevent foot ulcers.

When you get a foot ulcer, it's important to get care immediately. Most lower leg and foot removals begin with foot ulcers. An ulcer that won't heal causes severe damage to tissues and bone. It may require surgical removal (amputation) of a toe, a foot or part of a leg.

Some people with diabetes are at higher risk than others. Factors that lead to a higher risk of amputation include:

• High blood sugar levels
• Smoking
• Nerve damage in the feet (peripheral neuropathy)
• Calluses or corns
• Foot deformities
• Poor blood circulation to the arms and legs (peripheral artery disease)
• A history of foot ulcers
• A past amputation
• Vision problems
• Kidney disease
• High blood pressure, above 140/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)

Here's how to keep your feet healthy, how to know the signs that mean you need to see a health care provider and what happens if you need an amputation.