(NAPSI)—Whether you have diabetes, or know someone who does, you’re most likely familiar with the importance of controlling the disease through diet and exercise, an insulin regimen or both. However, even for those who strive to effectively manage their condition, serious and debilitating complications such as diabetic foot ulcers can occur. Fortunately, an innovative treatment option is available in a wound care center near you.

Diabetic foot ulcers are common, often painless, complications that are caused by nerve damage and/or poor circulation. Because patients may not experience pain or discomfort with the ulcers, the wounds can go untreated for long periods of time, which can lead to severe consequences, said Dr. Desmond Bell, Board Certified Wound Specialist and founder of the Save A Leg, Save A Life Foundation. The key to preventing additional complications with ongoing diabetic foot ulcers is to seek treatment at a wound care center where professionals can appropriately address the medical needs of the situation.

Wound care centers provide advanced wound healing techniques and state-of-the-art wound assessment, testing and treatment for people suffering from acute and chronic (hard to heal) wounds. Although wound healing can take time, if you have a foot wound that has not healed in four weeks with conventional therapies, consult with a doctor at a local wound care center about trying Apligraf. Apligraf is a unique living cell-based treatment that plays a more active role in wound healing by delivering living cells, proteins produced by the cells, and collagen, which each play an important role in healing. Apligraf is the only product with FDA approval for healing both venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. To find a wound care center near you, visit www.apligraf.com.

In addition to medical treatment, Dr. Bell recommends that people with diabetes take preventative action and check for signs of diabetic foot ulcers by following these tips to stay foot healthy:

Reduce your risk factorsWork with your endocrinologist to control blood glucose and high cholesterol, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

Appropriately protect your feetVisit with your podiatrist to discuss appropriate prevention techniques, such as recommended footwear and toenail maintenance.

Look at your feet dailyCheck your feet daily for cuts, blisters, red spots, or swelling. Inform your doctor immediately if you see any changes or injuries.

Important Safety Information: Apligraf is FDA-approved for the treatment of venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers lasting longer than one month that have not adequately responded to conventional therapy. It contains living cells, proteins produced by the cells, and collagen. Complications may include suspected wound or non-wound infection, skin inflammation, wound drainage, swelling, a skin tear or cut, pain, a new ulcer, red, flaky skin, bone infection, rash, low or high blood sugar, bruising, swelling, worsening ulcer and dry skin. Apligraf should not be used if your wound is infected or if you are allergic to cow collagen or the agarose shipping medium. For more information, please read the complete prescribing information available at Apligraf.com.

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)