could this be a sign of diabetes?

[sunglasses]

My Dad has had a problem with his foot for around 3-4 weeks. Some sores which were very painful and causing problems walking. Gp couldn't give a diagnosis so sent to a chiropodist. She said foot was infected- there was pus coming out of the sore so sent him back to gp to get antibiotics. Locum doctor said not infected and sent home. Went back to see another gp a week later and she said he most definitely had an infection and gave him a week of strong antibiotics . After a week on these he was no better and returned after his foot basically suffered a large bleed as he stepped out of the bath. Doctor said infection hadn't cleared up and sent him to hospital. He had blood test, a scan and an x ray but no one could give him an accurate diagnosis so we was referred to the podiatry department the next day. The specialist was very casual with him and basically asked him to go and get some dressings form the nurse to dress the wounds himself at home-no medication. The nurse said it looked really nasty and that she would dress it and asked him to return a few days later. On this visit the nurse told him he had 3 ulcers 1 very deep and they would take weeks to heal. He is to go back on Friday for a dressing change.
He was asked if he was diabetic by several medical staff and he said no, however i have pointed out to him that he hasn't been tested and can't categorically say he isn't. He said he doesn't have any other symptoms so isn't pushing for a test. I am really worried about him and the fact he has been treated so shabbily so far. Is it possible that the foot ulcers alone would be a symptom of diabetes and should he be tested? How can I convince him? I don't want him to develop a series infection and end up with an amputation.

[CPtart]

I would be pushing for a blood test for diabetes. Many diabetics have no symptoms pre diagnosis. Also, does he smoke..very common in those with leg and foot ulcers and will delay healing.

[sunglasses]

Hi- He smokes cigars but only maybe 1 or 2 a day. He was a smoker until he was in his early 50's though. He is now 71. He asked a pharmacist wether he could be diabetic and the pharmacist said without any symptoms like excessive urination or thirst then he definitely couldn't be but I don't think thats good advice and would feel happier if he got a test. Does anyone else have experience of diabetes without those obvious symptoms?

[JustWantToBeDorisAgain]

You can most definitely have higher blood glucose readings, without being symptomatic.

I think a request to get his hbA1c checked would not be at all unreasonable. Diabetic foot ulcers can be very hard to heal, if he is definitely not diabetic some investigations as to why he has developed 3 ulcers also wouldn't be unreasonable, he may have peripheral vascular problems ( possibly as a result of being along term smoker).

[sunglasses]

Thanks for your replies. He has had vascular problems in his legs most of his life- I think he mentioned phlebitis when he was younger and played a lot of football and was repeatedly kicked in the legs. No one has given him any reason for the ulcers or seem particularly concerned about them but I will now bully him into a blood test. I just feel he might get better treatment and be taken more seriously if he was found to have diabetes and if not then at least he has peace of mind.